A giraffe’s tongue is an impressive feature, measuring up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length on average. This long tongue allows the giraffe to reach leaves and vegetation from high tree branches, their primary source of food. The tongue is also prehensile, meaning it can grasp and wrap around leaves, helping the giraffe to strip them from branches effortlessly. The tongue is dark in color and covered in thick, spiked papillae, which protect it from thorns and other potential injuries while feeding.