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Ruta - (Hook.)Rchb. ex Meisn.

Common Name
Family Rutaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Forests and shrubberies to 3300 metres in the Himalayas[51]. Generally found in moist places in Nepal at elevations of 500 - 3000 metres[272].
Range E. Asia - Himalayas to Japan.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Ruta


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Ruta

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Ruta is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Ruta alba

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

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.


The leaves are pounded and applied to cuts and wounds as a styptic and to speed the healing process[218, 272]. They are crushed and placed in the nostrils in the treatment of malaria[218]. The external application of the leaves is also used in the treatment of scabies[272]. The leaf juice is dropped into wounds in order to kill germs[272]. Applied externally to the forehead, the juice is said to relieve headaches, whilst the whole plant is placed under the pillow whilst sleeping to relieve headaches[272]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of malaria[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The plant contains 0.2 - 0.4% essential oils[272]. The dried leaves are used as a flea repellent[272].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a warm sheltered position in a well-drained soil that is not too dry[11, 138, 200]. Plants are likely to rot if the soil remains too wet in winter[200]. Succeeds on chalk[11, 182]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Plants are often cut to the ground in severe winters but they usually regrow from the base[11, 182]. It is best to give the roots a mulch in the winter[11]. A very ornamental but short-lived plant[1]. The leaves are very aromatic[188].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in the autumn[188]. Sow stored seed in February to May in a greenhouse[138]. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c[138]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu (southeast), Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Pakistan (north), Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam (north), Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Hook.)Rchb. ex Meisn.

Botanical References

1151200

Links / References

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