Ruta

Ruta can refer to several distinct things. In botany, Ruta is a genus in the family Rutaceae that includes several species of aromatic herbs. The best-known is Ruta graveolens, commonly called rue or common rue. Rue is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, with pinnate leaves, yellow flowers, and a strong, camphor-like scent. Other species, such as Ruta chalepensis, are also referred to as rue or ruta.

Rue has a long history of use in traditional medicine and cooking in various cultures, but its use is limited today due to safety concerns. The plant contains furocoumarins and volatile oils that can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity when exposed to sunlight. Ingesting rue can cause gastrointestinal distress and other adverse effects, and it should be used sparingly in food and never by pregnant individuals or in large doses. External applications should be approached with caution and proper guidance.

Cultivation and horticulture: Rue prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings and is sometimes used as an ornamental plant for its feathery foliage and yellow blossoms. It is not widely cultivated as a culinary herb in modern cuisines due to safety concerns, but a small amount is used in certain traditional recipes in some regions.

Name usage: Ruta is also a feminine given name in several cultures, notably Lithuania. Notable people include Ruta Sepetys, a Lithuanian-American author known for historical fiction, and Ruta Gedmintas, a British-Lithuanian actress.