RUE
(gr. «pêganon»). Medicinal plant, with an acrid and bitter taste. The Pharisees, out of excess zeal, subjected it to the tithe (Lk. 11:42), although the Law did not demand it.
This herbaceous plant, ‘Ruta graveolens’, reaches a height of 60 to 90 cm. It has alternate, bluish-gray leaves, and has cavities that have a volatile oil, with a very penetrating odor.
The yellowish flowers, grouped in corymbs, generally have eight stamens. Originally from the Mediterranean regions, rue was cultivated in Palestine and used as medicine; It is possible that it also served as a condiment. If this plant had not been cultivated it would not have been able to submit to the tithe.