Hermann's Tortoise
Testudo hermanni
Mediterranean tortoise from southern Europe. Strict herbivore — no fruit or animal protein. Prefers Mediterranean-style wild plants, high-fiber diet, warm basking spot (95–105°F). Brumates October–March.
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Safe to feed(13)
Ribwort Plantain
Plantago lanceolata
Staple — offer freely.
Escarole
Cichorium endivia var. latifolium
Staple — offer freely.
Clover
Trifolium sp.
Offer freely as part of a varied wild-plant mix.
Grape Leaves
Vitis vinifera
Offer occasionally. Leaves only — not the grapes.
Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Treat / enrichment — a few flowers 1–2 times per week.
Broadleaf Plantain
Plantago major
Staple — use freely in rotation with dandelion.
Endive
Cichorium endivia
Staple — include freely in rotation.
Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Offer 2–3 times per week.
Opuntia Cactus Pads
Opuntia ficus-indica
Offer 2–3 times per week.
Rose Petals
Rosa sp.
Occasional treat. Pesticide-free only.
Mulberry Leaves
Morus sp.
Offer occasionally — up to twice per week.
Watercress
Nasturtium officinale
Offer 2–3 times per week, mixed with other greens.
Dandelion Greens
Taraxacum officinale
Staple — offer freely as part of the daily salad mix.
Feed with caution(9)
Romaine Lettuce
Lactuca sativa var. longifolia
Occasional — once or twice per week mixed in salad, not as the base.
Carrot
Daucus carota
Once per week, small piece. Carrot tops (greens) are safer than the root.
Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea var. viridis
2–3 times per week maximum. Rotate with non-goitrogenic greens.
Kale
Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Once per week maximum, small quantity.
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
Very rarely — once per month maximum, small amounts.
Swiss Chard
Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Once per week maximum, small quantity.
Strawberries
Fragaria × ananassa
Very occasional — one or two small pieces, once or twice per month.
Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
2–3 times per week maximum.
Turnip Greens
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Once per week or less.