Syrian rue, Uzerlik
Peganum harmala

Family: Nitrariaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30-70 cm tall. The leaves are alternate and the blade is divided into 3-5 narrow lobes. The flowers are yellowish white. The fruit is a round capsule. The seeds are dark brown and slightly curved. They are 3 sided.

Also put in the family Zygophyllaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in slightly salty sands and dry grasslands in desert areas. It grows between 400-3,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Central Asia, China, Europe, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mongolia, Morocco, North Africa, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

The seeds are used as a condiment.

Edible parts

Seeds - spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Harmal

Synonyms

Harmala multifida All.; and others