What plant is this?

[gustaf]

Can anyone tell me what kind of plant this is? There is a lot of it growing around the property here in florida. I want to know if its safe if i transplant some into my redfoot enclosure. It would make a good shade plant and hide area for them. But is it toxic if they eat it? I dont want to endanger them.
It has huge broad/split leaves and a woody trunk that lays on the ground on many of the plants.

 

[mike taylor]

Its some type of palm tree. Some are are very toxic . As a shade tree they work well . But cut it back so tortoises can't eat it .

 

[Yvonne G]

Japanese aralia - non toxic, but probably they won't eat it.

 

[phebe121]

I have one but i dont know the name

 

[gustaf]

Thanks

 

[Star-of-India]

That's not an aralia. That's a split leaf philodendron.

 

[Star-of-India]

Some or all philodendrons produce calcium oxalate crystals as a plant defense so may not be appropriate in the tortoise diet.

 

[Star-of-India]

Specifically it Is Philodendron bipinnatifidum.

 

[gustaf]

Thats exactly what it is. Thank you. Now i have to decide if its safe to plant in the redfoot enclosure. I thought it would b a good shade plant. But i sure wouldnt want them to eat it and end up sick or dead. Do you think they would be smart enough not to eat it. I wonder if it would tste bad to them if they were to take a bite and then they would leave it alone. From what i have read this plant is native to south america, the same place where redfoots are from.

 

[Star-of-India]

I doubt if they'll bother with it, but I don't know for sure.

 

[gustaf]

I planted some safe ferns in there for them to hide in. Ive never seen them take a bite of those.

 

[Iochroma]

I agree with Star-of-India - it's a tree Philodendron. Not a good plant for animal enclosures.