a garden herb (Ruta graveolens) which the Pharisees were careful to tithe ( Luke 11:42 ), neglecting weightier matters. It is omitted in the parallel passage of Matthew 23:23 . There are several species growing wild in Palestine. It is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It has a powerful scent, and is a stimulant. (See MINT .)

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.