Turtwig

Turtwig is a small green turtle and the Grass-type Starter Pokémon of the Generation IV games, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions and Pokémon Platinum Version. It evolves into Grotle at level 18 and then into Torterra at level 32.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions / Pokémon Platinum Version
In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions, a Turtwig is found in a suitcase at Lake Verity along with the other two Starter Pokémon, Chimchar and Piplup. If the player character chooses Turtwig, their rival chooses Chimchar, as Turtwig is weak to Fire-type moves. The Grass-type Gym Leader, Gardenia, also uses a Turtwig. In Pokémon Platinum Version, the suitcase is found at Route 201 instead.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Turtwig along with the other two Starter Pokémon, Chimchar and Piplup, each have their own trophy.

Pokémon anime
In the Pokémon anime, Turtwig makes its appearance in the first Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl episode, "Following a Maiden Voyage!", where it is shown as one of the three Sinnoh Starter Pokemon in Professor Rowan's lab.

In "Gettin' Twiggy With It", Ash catches a wild Turtwig, making it the second Pokémon that he caught in the Sinnoh region. Throughout the show, Ash's Turtwig has a habit of chomping down on Ash's head to express joy and emotions.

In "The Grass-type Is Always Greener", just like in the games, Gardenia uses a Turtwig, which knows how to use Leaf Storm.

Pokémon Trading Card Game

 * Diamond & Pearl, as Turtwig Lv. 10, a Grass-type common card (#103)

In March 2007, three limited edition collectors' tins were released by Pokémon USA. Turtwig Lv.10 from Diamond & Pearl was included in one of the tins as a special holographic card. The other two tins contained Chimchar Lv.8 and Piplup Lv.9 from the same set.

Leveling
Turtwig attempts to learn a new move every four levels.

Biology
Turtwig's appearance is characteristic of a tortoise despite the prefix in its name being derived from "turtle". Its prominent jawbone may denote a relationship to the snapping turtle. Its green and yellow body is covered by a shell. A small seedling grows on Turtwig's head.

The soil-based shell on Turtwig's back grows stronger when it absorbs water. Turtwig survives by carrying out photosynthesis with its whole body. The leaf on its head wilts whenever it becomes thirsty. As a result, it lives in areas that are close to lakes.

Etymology
Turtwig's name is a portmanteau of the words "turtle" and "twig". Its Japanese name "Naetoru" is derived from the Japanese word for seedling (苗) and the English world "turtle".

Reveal
Turtwig was revealed on August 5, 2006 along with the other Starter Pokémon of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions, Piplup and Chimchar. Its English name was first officially confirmed in Nintendo Power's April 2007 (Volume 214) issue.