Ruta chalepensis aka Fringed Rue

Taxonomy

Ruta chalepensis, also known as fringed rue, is a species of flowering plant in the Rutaceae family. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, this perennial herb can also be found in other regions as an introduced species. It grows up to 80 centimeters tall and has compound leaves divided into several segments and smaller leaflets. The inflorescence consists of clusters of bright yellow flowers with rolled, fringed petals. The fruit is a textured capsule with pointed lobes. In traditional herbal medicine, fringed rue is used for various ailments, including fever and inflammation. It is also known as the original source of the chemical compound chalepensin. This rare houseplant requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and benefits from repotting each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Fringed Rue, Rue, African Rue

How to care for Fringed Rue

Water

Fringed Rue should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fringed Rue loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Fringed Rue requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Rue is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Fringed Rue should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia