Peganum harmala

Species category

Weed

Common name

African rue, harmal shrub, isband, ozallaik, steppenraute, Syrian rue, harmel, peganum, harmal peganum

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

ObovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.
to triangular

Size

  • Length 3–5.5 mm
  • Width 1.5–2 mm
  • Thickness 1.3–1.5 mm

Color

Dark brown

Texture

Scattered tubercles and minute stipplesStipples:
Numerous small dots or specks.

Other structures

Irregular longitudinal ridges; hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
is on the pointed end.

Identification notes

Seed somewhat irregular in shape, mostly straight but sometimes bent. There is no evidence of an organized reticulum, but tubercles and stipplesStipples:
Numerous small dots or specks.
are present.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah 

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Zygophyllaceae

Valid name

Peganum harmala L.

 Peganum harmala.  True seeds with tubercles and stipples present. 
Peganum harmala. True seeds with tubercles and stipples present. 
 Peganum harmala.  True seeds that are sometimes bent. 
Peganum harmala. True seeds that are sometimes bent.