Ruta Graveolens (rue) is a herb used both in herbal medicine and as

a spice or seasoning for pickled olives and other dishes.

In folk herbal medicine it has been used for weak eyesight, hysterical

fits accompanied by convulsions and in order to induce abortion.

In Israel, the local Arab and Druse population use it as seasoning for

pickled black olives. Its name in Arabic is: Fijenn, meaning: containing a

demon. The name is attributed to the herb’s pungent , repelling aroma

which is capable of driving away the demons…

•••

Every spring, we have Wormy visiting the Ruta plants at our garden

in Upper Galilee, Israel. Wormy is a beautiful caterpillar that consumes

the Ruta plant from top to bottom in just about a couple of weeks.

It appears as a tiny, almost undetectable black worm, and grows rapidly,

in a matter of few days, to its full caterpillar magnificent size.

I am honored to present you with

Wormy