Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, common rue or Herb-of-Grace, is a species of Ruta grown as a herb. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula, southeastern Europe. It is now grown throughout the world as an ornamental plant in gardens, especially because of its bluish leaves, and also sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions. It also is cultivated as a medicinal herb, as a condiment, and to a lesser extent as an insect repellent.
The caterpillars of the Papilio machaon butterfly species feed on rue, among other kinds of plants.
Read more about Common Rue: Chemistry, Literary References
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—A.E. (Alfred Edward)