Chicory (Wild Chicory, Common Chicory)

 Feed in Moderation
  • Common Name: Chicory (Wild Chicory, Common Chicory)
  • Latin Name: Cichorium intybus
  • Family Name: Asteraceae/Compositae
Wild Chicory is an attractive plant, and it is fine to feed to tortoises.  Do not feed the roots, as they are high in starch and sugars, and also contain a compound that has been shown to damage retinal tissue in humans if eaten in large quantities.  The leaves and flowers have a low level of this compound and a good level of calcium as well as a low protein and phosphorous content, which makes them useful in the tortoise diet.
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