WYNRUIT, RUE, HERB OF GRACE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Rue, also called Wynruit in Afrikaans, Lengana in Tswana and Mohlonyane in Sotho, is a small, hardy, evergreen shrub. It bears small, yellow, waxy flowers and has attractive pale green-blue leaves with an unusual musky scent. To the Greeks and the Romans Rue was considered the herb of grace, and all brides traditionally carried a sprig of Rue in their wedding bouquet. The Renaissance painters in Europe are reputed to have consumed large quantities of Rue tea to restore failing eyesight. It is said that Rue was one of the ancient strewing herbs. "A favourite Arab herb, the only one to be blessed by Mohammed" (rev. The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices, A. Clevely, .) Priced from R60~R120