Can Greek Tortoises eat Ribwort Plantain?
Plantago lanceolata
Safety verdict
Caution
Why
[confidence: high] [source: The Tortoise Table plant database (tortoisetable.org.uk), exotic reptile vet review specializing in chelonian nutrition, and Mediterranean tortoise husbandry guides.] Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is generally considered a beneficial and nutritious wild plant for Greek Tortoises and is widely consumed in the wild, but it contains modest levels of aucubin (an iridoid glycoside) and tannins that may cause digestive upset if fed in very large exclusive quantities. It is a far better dietary choice than many cultivated greens but should still be offered as part of a varied diet.
How much / how often
Can be offered several times per week as part of a diverse rotation of wild plants and weeds; avoid making it the sole dietary component.
Preparation
Harvest from unsprayed, pesticide-free locations away from roadsides; rinse thoroughly before serving; offer leaves and seed heads as found naturally.
Nutrition (per 100 g)
184 mg
Calcium
52 mg
Phosphorus
3.5:1
Ca:P ratio
none
Oxalate
2.4 g
Protein
2.9 g
Fiber
Reviewed by admin on May 2026