2 Weed id's please

[Kirkie]

Originally Posted by anna m

I have fed Bindweed with the white flowers
although the boys aren't over keen
Is it no ok this week?

I feed it to mine Anna. They eat the leaves but don't like the flowers at all. I'm going with "ok in moderation".

[yuna1971]

Originally Posted by Kirkie

There was a rumour going round the tortoise world a few years back that Bindweed contained LSD like hallucinogens that could affect tortoises.

I can confirm they don't. I've tried it.

I do these experiments so you don't have too.

The first one does look like field bindweed, it should get little white/pink trumpet shaped flowers. There is a similar variety that grows on sand dunes which has pink and white striped flowers.

No idea on the second one, I'd wait for a bit more growth or a flower.

Dave, when do the flowers (white trumpet ones) start sprouting. I have bindweed in my garden. Very dark green kite shaped leaves....but I am bit tentative on feeding.
1 - after reading conflicting feed , dont feed info
2 - I dont know what type it is

By the way...I didnt know that you did treks to the sand dunes of the middle east to check on bindweed??? Are you sure it wasnt during the experiment ...when you were doing field-testing for the 'hallucinogenic' properties???

[Kirkie]

The flowers won't be around until high summer. As you've said there are lots of plants in this family. Greater and field bindweed were indeed on Lin Kings original list of safe plants. This was based on adaptations of feeding observerd in nature. It's one of those one's where those who have fed it have never reported any instant problems. It's been said many times that not enough research has been done into how tortoises deal with potential toxins in their diet. There was a study done into Horsfields tortoises where they were observed to "take a gamble" on some very unsavoury plants in the absence of anything more palatable and no immediate effects were observed.

The Bindweed found on dunes is Calystegia Soldanella, Sea Bindweed. I often see it when I'm in North Devon. The habitat found behind sand dunes (often called "burrows" because of the huge rabbit populations) contains huge numbers of plants that are found in tortoises home range. Its a very similar landscape, poor quality shallow soil, well drained etc.

The flowers look like this:

[yuna1971]

I think I will wait until high summer then. Just to be on the safe side as despite the leaves looking rather juicy (in Lilys opinion) - I dont want to take any chances. What with steering him clear of the creeping buttercup all over my back garden (which he still has the tendancy to nibble before I try and avert his vision!) and the Bindweed which is growing by the minute - I have my work cut out I think.
I think I will feed but just in moderation and not daily. I dont like the feed/dont feed information but too many people do with no adverse effects so to me that speaks volumes. I just wont let this one dominate the meal. Thanks for the info Dave. xx

[sandy]

Lin King has done a lot of field work with tortoises and plants, and is a very experienced chelonia keeper, unfortunately due to health reasons she is not around as much as she used to be. But I would be guided by her plant list, as she is very very particular on getting things right.
Her hatchling to adult free downloadable booklet has been the saviour to many a tortoise keeper, and its one that does not easily go out of date.

[yuna1971]

It has helped me identify many weeds Sandy. A very useful tool.

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by sandy

Lin King has done a lot of field work with tortoises and plants, and is a very experienced chelonia keeper, unfortunately due to health reasons she is not around as much as she used to be. But I would be guided by her plant list, as she is very very particular on getting things right.
Her hatchling to adult free downloadable booklet has been the saviour to many a tortoise keeper, and its one that does not easily go out of date.

nice to see you on sandy, hope you are keepin fine