Ruutus

Ruutus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, commonly known as rue. The genus comprises about 130 species of herbs, shrubs, and small trees, distributed across the temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia and Africa. The most well-known species is Ruta graveolens, also called common rue or garden rue, which has a long history of cultivation for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses.

The leaves of ruutus species are typically compound, often pinnate or bipinnate, and are characterized by their strong, pungent odor. This scent is due to the presence of essential oils, which can vary in composition among species. Many ruutus species have glands on their leaves and stems that exude these oils. The flowers are usually small and yellowish-green, with four or five petals, and are arranged in terminal clusters. The fruit is typically a capsule.

Historically, ruutus plants have been employed in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, though their efficacy and safety are not always scientifically validated. Common rue, in particular, was believed to have properties that could ward off evil spirits and protect against disease. In some cultures, rue leaves have been used as a culinary herb, albeit sparingly due to their bitter taste. However, some species can cause skin irritation or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals upon contact due to furanocoumarins present in their sap. Caution is advised when handling these plants.