Scientific name: Ruta graveolens L.
Family: Rutaceae
Synonym: Ruta divaricata Ten.
Vernacular name in Malayalam: Arootha
Habit: Woody, perennial shrub with aromatic, bluish-green, bipinnate leaves.
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean region; cultivated in gardens and herbal plantations worldwide.
Distribution: Widely distributed in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia; naturalized in temperate regions globally.
Flowering and Fruiting: Flowers from late spring to summer; produces small, yellow, four-petaled flowers in cymes; fruits are five-lobed capsules.
Key identification features: Strongly aromatic, bluish-green leaves; small, yellow flowers; woody base; bitter taste.
Uses: Traditionally used in herbal medicine for its emmenagogue and abortifacient properties; utilized as a culinary herb in small quantities; employed as an insect repellent and room deodorizer; holds cultural significance in various traditions.
No comments:
Post a Comment