Aubergine (Eggplant)

• Common Name: Aubergine (Eggplant)
• Latin Name: Solanum melongena
• Family Name: Solanaceae

All green parts are HIGHLY TOXIC containing solanaceous alkaloids which in large enough concentrations are toxic.  Some say these toxic properties are destroyed by heat (which is why you can eat cooked aubergine but not raw aubergine), but there are others that say heat doesn't destroy them.  The levels of alkaloids in modern aubergines are not high enough to be toxic to humans, but it is probably best to peel the skin off if you are concerned.  As far as tortoises are concerned, the leaves will contain these alkaloids and so the plant should be avoided.