Family: Nitrariaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 444 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Peganum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Medit. to Mongolia and India
Description
Syrian-rue, scientifically known as Peganum harmala, is a plant that has made a significant mark in both historical and contemporary contexts. Classified under the family Nitrariaceae, this distinctive species is recognized for its uniquely hardy nature and widespread growth across diverse regions, spanning from the Mediterranean to Mongolia and India.
Peganum harmala thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, favoring well-drained soils where it can establish itself resiliently. Its physical characteristics include deep green, finely divided leaves, lending a vibrant presence to the often stark landscapes it populates. The plant also produces small, white, and intensely fragrant flowers, followed by seed pods that encapsulate numerous dark, angular seeds.
Historically, Syrian-rue has been valued for its medicinal and ritualistic uses. Its seeds contain alkaloids such as harmaline and harmine, which have been utilized in traditional medicine and spiritual practices for their psychoactive properties. These substances can induce altered states of consciousness, and as a result, the plant has been integral in various cultural ceremonies, particularly in regions where it naturally occurs.
Modern scientific investigations have turned their focus towards the potential pharmacological applications of Peganum harmala. Its alkaloids have shown promise in numerous studies, suggesting capabilities that may be beneficial in developing treatments for certain neurological and psychological disorders. Moreover, its antimicrobial properties are being explored, opening doors to novel approaches in the fight against resistant strains of bacteria and fungi.
Despite its beneficial aspects, it’s important to approach Syrian-rue with caution. The same alkaloids that make it useful can also be toxic if improperly handled or ingested in large quantities. Therefore, informed and careful usage is essential when dealing with this potent plant.
In conclusion, Syrian-rue (Peganum harmala) is a remarkable plant that occupies a unique niche in both nature and human culture. Its extensive geographical range from the Mediterranean to Mongolia and India underscores its adaptability and ecological significance. Simultaneously, its long history in medicinal and spiritual contexts highlights its profound impact on human societies. As modern science continues to unravel its mysteries, Syrian-rue stands as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: african rue, african-rue, harmal peganum, syrian rue, syrian-rue, harmal shrub, harmel, isband, ozallaik, peganum, wild rue
Fra: harmal, rue sauvage
Deu: harmalkraute, steppenraute
Dan: hermelrude
Spa: alharma, gamarza
Swe: harmelbuske
Hun: törökpirosító
En: Syrian-rue, African-rue, Wild rue, African rue, Harmal peganum, Syrian rue, Harmal shrub, Harmel, Isband, Ozallaik, Peganum
Ca: Harmala
Da: Hermelrude
Nl: Harmala
Fr: Rue sauvage, Harmal
De: Harmalkraute, Steppenraute, Harmal-Raute
He: שבר לבן
Hu: Törökpirosító
It: Pégano
Es: Alharma, Gamarza, Armalá, Hármaga
Sv: Harmelbuske
Synonyms
- Peganon harmalum ((L.) St.-Lag.)
- Harmala peganum (Crantz)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Greece (native)
- India (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- Kuwait (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Morocco (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Qinghai (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Colorado (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Hungary (introduced)
- Nevada (introduced)
- New Mexico (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken May 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues SAUVAGE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2011 by EOL − Bibliotheca Alexandrina (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2018 by Manuel Nieto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Mustapha Mustapha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by s mostafa mirkarimi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2021 by s mostafa mirkarimi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Tarrah Tarrah (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 31, 2020 by Juan Carlos Almale (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Barbero Rocío (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues SAUVAGE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Hakkı Akdeniz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2021 by van Passel Jerome (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Amir Reza Shirmohammadi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Mohamed BOUAJAJ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2018 by mm (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by patryheavymetal4ever (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Apr 18, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189912)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:774545-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Peganum harmala L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 9
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 7
Soil salinity: 8