Form: shrub — perennial
Status: not present in WA
African rue is a vigorous summer-growing shrubby plant with a persistent root system. It is very drought hardy. It is a native of the Mediterranean region from Spain to North Africa and as far east as India. African rue has become naturalised in North America, parts of New South Wales and South Australia.
Appearance
Stems: Shrub with stiff branched stems, from 15–60 centimetres high.
Leaves: It has deeply divided bright green succulent leaves arranged alternately on the stems.
Flowers: White flowers about 2.5 centimetres in diameter borne singly amongst the leaves.
Fruit: Flowers into fruits consisting of a three chambered capsule opening at the top. Each chamber contains many seeds.
Seeds: three angled shaped seed (similar to an orange wedge) measuring 2–4.5 x 1.5–3 milimetres. Blackish-red to red in colour.
This plant reproduces from seeds and by suckering. Spread of African rue occurs when seeds are transported by water, or by root fragments transported by machinery during grading and ploughing activities in paddocks.
Agriculture and economic impact
African rue is a drought resistant shrub that competes with native shrubs and grasses for moisture and nutrients affecting pasture production in the rangelands grazing areas. It has a competitive advantage over native plants as it germinates earlier in the spring. This weed is difficult to control once established.
Although unpalatable, it often causes livestock poisonings, especially during drought. Consumption by animals causes reduced fertility and abortions. It is also a known agricultural seed contaminant.
Declared pest category
The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL) contains information on the area(s) in which this pest is declared and the control and keeping categories to which it has been assigned in Western Australia (WA). Search for African rue in WAOL using the scientific name of Peganum harmala.
Requirements for land owners/occupiers and other persons
Requirements for land owners/occupiers and other persons if this pest is found can be sourced through the declared plant requirements link.
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Control method
Control methods for this declared plant can be found through the African rue control link.