Citrus Tree (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Satsuma, Mandarin)

• Common Name: Citrus Tree (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Satsuma, Mandarin)
• Latin Name: Citrus spp.
• Family Name: Rutaceae

The essential oils in citrus trees (e.g. limonene or linalool) are most concentrated in the fruit of the trees, but they are also present in the leaves.  Although the leaves are edible for humans, it is known that cats are particularly susceptible (and dogs to a lesser extent) to the toxins in citrus leaves, which if ingested can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and possible liver damage.  We can find no research on the effects on tortoises of eating the leaves of citrus trees and so we would advise erring on the side of caution and not feeding.  

Grapefruit    Citrus x paradisi

Lemon        Citrus x limon

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia; C. x latifolia; C. hystrix)

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Orange (Citrus x sinensis; C. x aurantium)

Satsuma/Tangerine (Citrus unshiu)

Calamondin (Citrus Citrofortunella)

See Citrus (Fruit).