Quick facts
| Arabic name | الشذاب |
|---|---|
| English name | Rue (Shathab) |
| Scientific name | Ruta chalepensis |
| Family | Citrus family (Rutaceae) |
| Plant type | Perennial aromatic herb |
| Height | Usually 30 to 80 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to April, and September to October
Harvest
Not harvested
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Divided blue-grey leaves, small yellow flowers with fringed edges, and a very strong smell.
Where it grows
Grown in Asir and Al-Baha.
Soil
Well-drained soil. Handles poor and limy soil.
Water and irrigation
Drought tolerant.
Climate and light
Full sun. Handles some cold.
Propagation
From seeds and cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- A traditional aromatic plant
- Keeps some insects away
Drawbacks
- Its sap can burn and blister skin in sunlight
- Poisonous in large amounts
- Not safe for pregnant women
Important notes
Wear gloves when handling it. Do not use it as medicine without medical advice.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Ruta chalepensis
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Ruta chalepensis
- Wikipedia: Ruta chalepensis
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) - Plant finder
- ASPCA - Toxic and non-toxic plants list
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)