Ruta chalepensis
| Ruta chalepensis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Ruta chalepensis (common name: egyptian rue)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any good open soil[1].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[2].
The bruised foliage releases a somewhat foetid smell like wet fur, but with slightly sweeter undertones[3].
Sold in local markets[4]. This report probably refers to its use as a medicinal plant[K].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[2].
Range: Europe - Mediterranean.
Habitat: Rocky places, woods, dry banks and thickets[5], usually on limestone[3].
Edibility: The leaves are used as a condiment[6][7].
Medicinal: The plant is abortifacient, anthelmintic, emmenagogue and ophthalmic[4][8].
A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of paralysis, coughs and stomach aches[9].
The leaves have been heated then placed inside the ear to treat earache[9].
Usage: An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring[8].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: R. angustifolia. R. bracteosa. DC.
Links
References
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press, 1987.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.