Passion Flower?

[Cathy L]

I thought I had read somewhere that passion flowers are safe for tortoises, but I don't see it on any list that I could find. Are they safe?

 

[Yvonne G]

The flowers and fruit are edible, however I found this on the 'net:

Many species of passion flower have been found to contain beta-carboline harmala alkaloids which are MAO inhibitors with anti-depressant properties. The flower and fruit have only traces of these chemicals, but the leaves and the roots are often more potent and have been used to enhance the effects of mind-altering drugs.

 

[Cathy L]

Interesting. So the flowers and fruit are fine, and the leaves may make my tortoise trip-out?

 

[ascott]

Yup.....that is what I got from that too.....does it work on people too...LOL...so kidding