Practical
Plants

Ruta chalepensis

Egyptian Rue

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Ruta genus in the family Rutaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rutaceae
Genus
Ruta
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
0.75 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The leaves are used as a condiment[2][3].

Product or use
Condiment

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant is abortifacient, anthelmintic, emmenagogue and ophthalmic[7][8]. A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of paralysis, coughs and stomach aches[6]. The leaves have been heated then placed inside the ear to treat earache[6].

Product or use
Abortifacient
Product or use
Anthelmintic
Product or use
Emmenagogue
Product or use
Ophthalmic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring[8].

Product or use
Essential

Environment

Range
Europe - Mediterranean.
Habitat
Rocky places, woods, dry banks and thickets[9], usually on limestone[5].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[4]. The bruised foliage releases a somewhat foetid smell like wet fur, but with slightly sweeter undertones[5]. Sold in local markets[7]. This report probably refers to its use as a medicinal plant[K]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

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  3. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

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  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  5. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2

  6. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2

  7. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  8. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩1↩2

  9. Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0-7012-0784-1

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