Saturday, July 17, 2010

Common Rue

The Common Rue Ruta graveolens is a native of Southern Europe which has naturalised itself in India. It is calle Nagadali here , as it is believed to deter snakes from entering the garden. Most gardeners grow it at the entrance of their gardens .But I have seen a black cobra merrily wending its way through a maze of Rue in my neighbour's house!
The Rue has an unpleasant oily smell, but its leaves are an unusual blue-green. Its lime yellow flowers bloom in summer. It was used in European cooking before the 20th century, but now tastes have changed. Its leaves and oil are used in Ayurveda for curing chest related diseases and Arthritis.

4 comments:

  1. A suggestion - could you categorise the posts as in the other blog. Makes searches easier. Love the pictures

    ReplyDelete
  2. You're right, the blue-green leaves and yellow flowers make a striking combination!
    I've seen the same thing happening with the garlic vine. I was told it repels snakes (I thought garlic repelled vampires?!) but have seen a cobra lazily slithering up it to reach the garden next-door.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rue has the reputation of protecting your home from witches here in the states. The butterflies love it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rue Tea Benefits have been noted for a long time for their antispasmodic and sedative properties. In literature, the rue herb has been mentioned by such writers as Pliny and Shakespeare as an herb of remembrance, of warding and of healing.
    Thank you for visiting my blog and your comment.
    - Cheers.

    ReplyDelete