FRINGED RUE
(Ruta chalepensis)
Appearance
A malodorous shrublet with much branched leafy stems.
Yellow-green flowers in a much branched flower-head appear between
February and May. Fruit a globose capsule.
Habitat
This plant grows in rocky limestone areas and on cliffs from
sea-level to 2,200 ft.
Uses and Properties
Rue is one of the better known medicinal plants with
renowned antiseptic and uretic properties. Infusions from the leaves of
rue are an effective aborticide and can also act as stomach tonics and
perspirants. Rue has been used, along with other herbs, in preparations for
soothing earache and toothache. The seeds, taken in wine, can be an
antidote for poisons. Cats are attracted by the plant, but, strangely,
find the odour of crushed leaves repulsive.
