Ruta graveolens
Family: Rutaceae
Woody perennial. Native to the Mediterranean. This is one of the oldest
medicinal plants, used to ward off contagion, malevolent spirits and fleas.
The sunny, early summer flowers give way to green fruits which resemble
tiny immature oranges. These are rich in flavonoids (rutin), furanocoumarins
and essential oil. The plant is stimulating, antispasmodic and an
emmenagogue. Harvest in late flowering stage, when the fruits are
beginning to swell and exude oil from the pellucid glands. Warning:
Skin contact with Rue on sunny days can cause photosensitive dermatitis.
Wash your skin well after picking or contacting the plants. Cultivation:
Easy. Sow in flats in spring. Germ. in 15-19 days. Transplant
to regular garden soil. Once established, tolerates drought and fierce
sun. Rue likes good drainage, fertility, a limey soil and a warm,
sunny exposure. Plant 2 feet apart. Flowers to 3 feet.
This is the Rue we will send you if you don’t specify type.
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