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Description
Ruta Graveolens is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is commonly known as the herb of grace, common rue, or garden rue. This plant is native to the Balkan Peninsula but has spread across the world and is now cultivated in different regions. Ruta Graveolens has a strong, bitter aroma and is used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Ruta |
Appearance
Ruta Graveolens has bluish-green leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are bi-pinnate, meaning they have two rows of leaflets on either side of the midrib. The leaflets are small, narrow, and pointed. The plant produces small, yellow, and green flowers that grow in clusters. The flowers have five petals, and the fruit is a small, round capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Ruta Graveolens is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some care tips for this herb of grace:Water: Ruta Graveolens prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once a week.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: This plant prefers alkaline, well-draining soil. If your soil is too acidic, add lime to increase the pH level.Sunlight: Ruta Graveolens prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Ruta Graveolens is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ruta Graveolens is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can attract caterpillars, spider mites, and aphids. Root rot can occur if the soil is too wet, and powdery mildew can develop in humid conditions.
Habitat
Ruta Graveolens is native to the Balkan Peninsula but can now be found in different regions worldwide. It grows best in warm, dry climates and prefers alkaline soil. This plant can be found in gardens, fields, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ruta Graveolens be used for medicinal purposes? A: Yes, Ruta Graveolens has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including menstrual cramps, headaches, and rheumatism.Q: Is Ruta Graveolens toxic to pets? A: Yes, Ruta Graveolens can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. Keep it out of reach of your furry friends.Q: How often should I prune Ruta Graveolens? A: Prune Ruta Graveolens lightly in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune it after flowering to encourage bushier growth.Q: Can I grow Ruta Graveolens indoors? A: Yes, Ruta Graveolens can be grown indoors if given enough sunlight and kept in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to Ruta Graveolens:- Citrus limon (Lemon)- Citrus sinensis (Orange)- Poncirus trifoliata (Trifoliate orange)- Zanthoxylum americanum (Common prickly-ash)
References
– “Ruta Graveolens L.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 10 August 2021, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77144278-1.- “Ruta Graveolens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 August 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287121.- “Ruta Graveolens.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Accessed 10 August 2021, https://www.almanac.com/plant/rue.
