Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a well-known garden plant with edible leaves and flowers. It can be a useful supplementary food for herbivorous reptiles, especially as a home-grown source of safe flowers and tender greens.

🌿 Description and Distribution

Tropaeolum majus is a trailing or climbing annual commonly grown in gardens and containers.

Identified by:

• Round shield-like leaves
• Bright orange, red, or yellow flowers with a spur
• Creeping or climbing growth habit

It is mainly cultivated rather than truly wild, though it may self-seed in suitable conditions.

🍽 Edible Parts

• Leaves — edible and suitable in moderation
• Flowers — safe and often readily accepted
• Tender shoots — can be offered in mixed greens

Seeds are edible for humans when pickled but are not a standard reptile food.

📊 Nutritional Value

• Calcium: low to moderate
• Fiber: moderate
• Vitamin C: useful
• Mustard oils / pungent compounds: naturally present

Because of its strong taste and composition, nasturtium is better used as a supplement than as a staple.

🐢 Suitable For

• Tortoises (Testudo spp., Centrochelys sulcata, and others)
• Iguanas (Iguana iguana)
• Uromastyx (Uromastyx spp.) — in mixed greens
• Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) — as a supplement

🌱 How to Source It

Growing your own

Nasturtium is easy to grow from seed in pots, hanging planters, and garden beds. Home-grown plants are the safest option.

From the garden

• Use only untreated plants
• Avoid ornamental plants exposed to pesticides, fertilizers, or anti-pest sprays

⚠️ Precautions

• Feed in moderation as part of a varied diet
• Use only untreated home-grown or reliably clean plants
• Do not feed wilted or mouldy material

📌 Conclusion

Nasturtium is a useful edible garden plant for herbivorous reptiles when used in moderation. Its flowers and leaves add variety and enrichment, especially in mixed seasonal diets built around safer staple weeds.