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Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 16:40
by Swallow
Lin

I would appreciate your help in identifying this weed which I have been growing in a pot in the hope that it may be suitable food for my tortoise! I have attached a couple of pics. Glad the photos of herb hyssop were of use. Thank you as always. Sarah [attachment=0]915D0246-9E00-429B-B058-95AFAB9DEEF0.jpeg[/attachment][attachment=1]463EE5E2-02CF-4A25-AB03-19225F01A82A.jpeg[/attachment]

Re: Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 16:46
by lin
Herb Hysop were wonderful photos Sarah. Thanks.

This is Sow Thistle. so you will have one very lucky tortoise saying thank you when he eats it. You can put that into the search to go to the entry we have if you like.
Lin

Re: Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 17:01
by Swallow
Thank you, Lin! It’s a good thing it’s in a pot as Zuma will demolish anything edible in the border. He stayed at Mum’s recently and finished off an entire row of purple pansies in a morning. Very embarrassing, I had to refill with geraniums and take the tortoise home! Now learning to grow my plantains in pots too so I can harvest leaves every day rather than my friend mowing ruthlessly through the entire supply. As he weighs 1677 g, he believes he needs more food than most. I shall ration the sow thistle. It is very reassuring to have your guidance as to feed the wrong plant could be a disaster. Have a lovely weekend! Sarah

Re: Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 19:28
by Nina
What a lovely chap Zuma must be -- it would be great to see a photo of him. People are always asking us about plants to plant in the tortoise enclosure, and we do have to tell them that unless they give the plant some protection it will be completely gone before you know it. I find that an upturned hanging basket works well -- the sort that is made of open wire. You put it over your plant and the plant itself then grows through the holes in the wire basket and your tortoise can nibble all the stuff that comes through, but can't destroy the base of the plant itself.

Nina

Re: Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 20 Jul 2018, 23:38
by Swallow
Great advice about the wire basket protection. I will definitely try that. Here’s a pic of Zuma in the campanula- literally. He’s eaten most of it this summer but it regenerates very well! Thank you Nina. Sarah
[attachment=0]71A80A2D-C025-4CD3-9847-945D054E7909.jpeg[/attachment]

Re: Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 21 Jul 2018, 00:16
by lin
Oh my! He is a handsome chap. Thanks for sharing that Sarah.

Lin

Re: Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 21 Jul 2018, 08:22
by Nina
Ooh, I agree with Lin -- he is a very handsome chap, and with such a smooth shell. They do love Campanula, don't they? Here is a photo of mine, taken a couple of years ago in my campanula.

Nina
[attachment=0]IMG_8935 (Copy).JPG[/attachment]

Re: Not sure what this plant is

Posted: 22 Jul 2018, 10:31
by Swallow
Nina
They are gorgeous, real cuties! They look much younger than Zuma. Can imagine how thrilled they were to be out in the open air and eating fresh campanula! Sarah