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Ruta chalepensis - L.

Common Name Egyptian Rue, Fringed rue
Family Rutaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Rocky places, woods, dry banks and thickets[89], usually on limestone[245].
Range Europe - Mediterranean.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Ruta chalepensis Egyptian Rue, Fringed rue


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Ruta chalepensis Egyptian Rue, Fringed rue
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Ruta chalepensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

R. angustifolia. R. bracteosa. DC.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The leaves are used as a condiment[177, 183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Abortifacient  Anthelmintic  Emmenagogue  Ophthalmic

The plant is abortifacient, anthelmintic, emmenagogue and ophthalmic[46, 61]. A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of paralysis, coughs and stomach aches[257]. The leaves have been heated then placed inside the ear to treat earache[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential

An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used in perfumery and as a food flavouring[61].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

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[200]. The bruised foliage releases a somewhat foetid smell like wet fur, but with slightly sweeter undertones[245]. Sold in local markets[46]. This report probably refers to its use as a medicinal plant[K]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant 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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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123

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

50200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

   Feb 14 2014 12:00AM

in Palestine this plant is used in olives pickling. we add it to the jar when we start the pickling process of olives. so it adds to the taste.

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Subject : Ruta chalepensis  
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