About Ruta chalepensis L.
Ruta chalepensis L. is a species of flowering plant in the Rutaceae family, commonly known by the common name fringed rue. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and occurs in other areas as an introduced species. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 80 centimeters tall. Its leaves are compound: each leaf is split into several segments, which are further subdivided into smaller leaflets. The inflorescence is a cluster of flowers; each individual flower has four or five bright yellow petals that have rolled, fringed edges. The fruit is a textured capsule that is divided into pointed lobes. In traditional herbal medicine, this plant is used to treat a number of ailments, including fever and inflammation. Ruta chalepensis is the original source of the chemical compound chalepensin.
