I live in the high desert of Southern California and found this plant growing in my yard. Since I've noticed it it's spread pretty fast. it grows thick and almost like a carpet. I have a tortoise and need to know if he needs to be kept away from this. Any help is appreciated 🙂 thanks in advance
by SamTheT-zam
6 Comments
Purslane
Purslane indeed
Do not feed tortoises purslane, but small amounts are not harmful if injested.
Purslane is great with plain yoghurt and cucumber and pressed garlic….
Purslane is very nutritious for human turtles
All alleged weeds are nutritious! I often collect all the weed greens and use in salads or dry them, then use like an herb but just for nutrition not flavor. Lambs quarter, pigweed, and common mallow are my favorites to eat.
So called “weeds” are pioneering species. That means their job is to live and die quickly to put nutrients back into the soil. If I’m not eating them, we will pluck them up before seed and toss on the ground to feed the soil. It was very cute to see my little toddler walk around and pluck “weeds” then ever so gently and kindly give them to cultivated plants and talk to them.