Are Desert Rose Flowers Safe for a Tortoise to Eat?

Identification

• The desert rose commonly is referred to as Adenium obesum, notes the University of Florida Extension. Despite its name, it flourishes in humid climates and often is grown in Thailand and India. The flowers of a desert rose plant range in color from a deep purple-red to white, and blooms measure up to 3 inches across. The desert rose can thrive as a container plant -- ideally in an unglazed ceramic pot, with a well-drained potting mix.

Significance

• The desert rose can be part of a balanced diet for a tortoise. African Tortoise, a website for tortoise owners, explains that the desert rose belongs to the category succulents and lists the desert rose on its listing of "edible landscaping." Other succulents include aloe, agave and yucca. The water content of succulents, such as desert rose, will help to keep your tortoise hydrated.

Function

• The Tortoise Trust notes on its website that flowers, grasses and greens serve as a source of protein for herbivores. Most tortoises -- which live on land -- are herbivores. This means that their diet is 100 percent plant-based, notes Drs. Foster and Smith, a pet care product company. However, some people believe that animal protein needs to be added to the tortoise's diet. If the plant diet is balanced, animal protein is not necessary, notes the Tortoise Trust.

Considerations

• African Tortoise warns that, when feeding desert rose flowers and other plants to your tortoise, be sure that they come from a chemical-free source. Desert rose flowers are not intended to be the sole source of nutrition for a tortoise. The animal needs to be fed approximately 85 to 90 percent mixed greens and flowers and 10 to 15 percent vegetables, explains Drs. Foster and Smith. Greens and vegetables should be supplemented with a daily vitamin and calcium approved for tortoises.