I found it today by sounding out the Spanish name that he gave me. Oddly I can often spell a Spanish word despite not knowing what it means.
Anyway it's Ruda
"Ruda, or Ruta graveolens, also called Common Rue, is an evergreen shrub with bitter leaves and small yellow flowers. It is a medicinal plant that originated in the Mediterranean and Asia. Rich in antioxidants, flavinoids and vitamin C, rue has many therapeutic uses.
It is used to soothe eyestrain, to repel insects, regulate menstruation and as a sedative. The oil and leaves can cause blisters when exposed to the sun.
Fresh leaves rubbed on the body will relieve the pain of headaches and sciatica. Rue oil can cause vomiting, stomach pain and even be fatal.
It grows profusely in the ethnobotanical garden and in medicinal gardens all over the area. It's a staple herb for healing in many home gardens."
I have a feeling it smells much better than it tastes.