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Description
Ruta Chalepensis, also known as Aleppo Rue, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal properties. This plant is characterized by its bluish-green leaves, which are highly aromatic and have a bitter taste. The flowers of Ruta Chalepensis are yellow and bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Ruta |
Appearance
Ruta Chalepensis is a small shrub that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-7 leaflets that are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaflets are about 2-4 cm long and have a bluish-green color. The flowers of Ruta Chalepensis are small and yellow, with 4-5 petals that are arranged in a cyme inflorescence. The fruit of this plant is a capsule that contains many small seeds.
Care Guide
Ruta Chalepensis is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this plant:- Water: Ruta Chalepensis prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: Ruta Chalepensis prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions but does not tolerate frost.- Hardiness Zones: Ruta Chalepensis is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ruta Chalepensis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be affected by the following pests and diseases:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves of the plant and cause them to wilt. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. Use a miticide to control spider mites.- Rust: This fungal disease can cause orange spots on the leaves of the plant. Remove and destroy infected leaves to prevent the spread of rust.
Habitat
Ruta Chalepensis is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in rocky and dry habitats. It is commonly found in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. This plant is also widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America, South America, and Australia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ruta Chalepensis poisonous?
A: Yes, Ruta Chalepensis contains a toxic compound called rutin, which can cause skin irritation and other health problems if ingested in large amounts.
Q: Can Ruta Chalepensis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Ruta Chalepensis can be grown indoors in a sunny location. However, it may not flower as well as it would outdoors.
Q: How often should I prune Ruta Chalepensis?
A: Prune Ruta Chalepensis in the late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or diseased wood.
Q: Can Ruta Chalepensis be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Ruta Chalepensis can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Ruta Chalepensis:- Ruta Graveolens (Common Rue)- Citrus Limon (Lemon)- Capparis Spinosa (Caper Bush)- Lavandula Angustifolia (English Lavender)
References
– “Ruta chalepensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287682.- “Ruta chalepensis L.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Accessed 20 May 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:776856-1.
