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Plant from the UAE

Posted: 15 Oct 2019, 14:12
by Cateb68
Anyone know if this plant is safe .. I think it’s called leguminosae / Christmas candle

Thanks

Re: Plant from the UAE

Posted: 15 Oct 2019, 20:46
by Nina
Hi Cateb and thanks for sending in this plant. It's called Senna alata and is in the plant family Leguminosae (also called Fabaceae) -- the Pea family.
it's a plant that is used for medicinal purposes in many cultures, including the treatment of ringworm as it has anti-fungicidal properties. It's not been shown to have any toxic properties in studies with mice ( https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10 ... 16.1272166 ) but I have read elsewhere that it is well known for having laxative properties, which you obviously don't want. In general we don't recommend feeding plants from the Leguminosae family as they tend to be high in protein and most species of tortoise require a very low protein/high fibre diet. What species is your tortoise?

I can't find any studies showing that tortoises in the wild eat this plant, so I think that on balance I would say not to feed it deliberately, but if it is growing in your garden and your tortoise accidentally nibbles a few leaves that there shouldn't be any problem.

Nina

Re: Plant from the UAE

Posted: 16 Oct 2019, 17:52
by Cateb68
Thank you Nina , we think our tort is either a Hermann or a spur thigh :D

Re: Plant from the UAE

Posted: 16 Oct 2019, 21:03
by Nina
Both Hermanns and Spur Thighs have the same dietary needs -- so high fibre and low protein diet that I mentioned above is appropriate. Hope that helps and please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have any more questions or problems.

Best,
Nina