Rutaecarpa

Rutaecarpa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, commonly known as rue family. The genus is native to East Asia. Plants in this genus are herbaceous perennials. The most well-known species is Rutaecarpa hupehensis, also known as the Chinese Evodia or Evodia daniellii. This species is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It is cultivated for its ornamental value, particularly its clusters of small white flowers that appear in late summer, followed by dark red to black fruits.

The fruits of Rutaecarpa species have been used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are known as wu zhu yu in Chinese and are believed to have various therapeutic properties. The plant contains alkaloids and other phytochemicals that are thought to contribute to its medicinal effects. Historically, it has been used to treat conditions such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Research into the specific chemical compounds and their pharmacological actions is ongoing. While cultivated for ornamental purposes in some regions, its primary significance lies in its traditional medicinal applications.