The Tortoise Table

with thanks

Hi Redrobot.
This is Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant) and although very easy to care for it contains crystal calcium oxalates and is not good for tortoises because of the high levels of Raphides. These are bundles of needle-shaped crystals, usually of calcium oxalate, that develop as metabolic by-products in plant cells for defence against being eaten, for calcium storage and for structural strength. If an animal eats plant material containing large amounts of raphides, the soft tissues of the tongue and throat may be damaged. Although the effect of raphides on reptiles is unclear, it is known that mammals who eat a plant containing raphides can suffer painful oedema and a sense of burning in the mouth and throat. For that reason, we do not recommend feeding plants that have a high raphide content, but the exceptions to this are plants like Fuchsias where the raphides are so deeply embedded in the cells that they are not easily released when eaten and therefore unlikely to cause damage.

Lin

thankyou for the detailed and informative reply. appreciated

Thanks for the info! I’ll keep that in mind for safety.