Rutaceae FAMILY

Ruta graveolens

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

All parts of this plant are poisonous in large quantities[ 19 Title Poisonous Plants. Publication Author Stary. F. Publisher Hamlyn Year 1983 ISBN 0-600-35666-3 Description Not very comprehensive, but easy reading. ]. It should not be used at all by pregnant women since it can induce abortions[ 165 Title The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. Publication Author Mills. S. Y. Publisher Year ISBN Description An excellent small herbal. ]. The sap contains furanocoumarins, sensitizing the skin to light and causing blistering or dermatitis in sensitive people[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ].

Botanical Description

Ruta graveolens is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.50 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeS. Europe.

HabitatRocks, old walls and dry hills, mainly on limestone[ 89 Title Flowers of the Mediterranean. Publication Author Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Publisher Hogarth Press Year 1987 ISBN 0-7012-0784-1 Description A very readable pocket flora that is well illustrated. Gives some information on plant uses. ].