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Description
Ricinus, commonly known as the castor oil plant, is a flowering plant species in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Africa and India but has since been naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant is an annual or perennial shrub that can grow up to 40 feet tall. It has large, palmate leaves that are typically green but can also be red, purple, or variegated. The plant produces small, green or red flowers that are followed by spiny fruits containing seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Ricinus |
Appearance
The castor oil plant has large, bright green or reddish-purple leaves that can grow up to three feet across. The leaves are palmate or lobed, with seven to eleven serrated leaflets. The plant produces small, green or red flowers that are followed by spiny fruits containing seeds. The seeds are large, shiny, and mottled, with a hard outer shell that contains the toxic ricin.
Care Guide
The castor oil plant requires well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water the plant regularly, but do not allow it to become waterlogged. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and is typically grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
The castor oil plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant but can be susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. It can also be vulnerable to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Habitat
The castor oil plant is native to Africa and India but has since been naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It thrives in warm, humid environments and can grow in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the castor oil plant poisonous?
A: Yes, the castor oil plant is poisonous. The seeds contain the toxic protein ricin, which can cause severe illness or death if ingested.
Q: Can the castor oil plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the castor oil plant can be grown indoors in a sunny location. However, it may grow too large for some indoor spaces.
Q: Is the castor oil plant drought-tolerant?
A: No, the castor oil plant requires regular watering and does not tolerate drought well.
Q: Can the castor oil plant be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, the castor oil plant has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including constipation, arthritis, and skin disorders.
Related Plants
- Euphorbia characias
- Jatropha curcas
- Croton
References
- “Ricinus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286929. Accessed 5 May 2021.
- “Castor Bean.” North Carolina State University Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/castor-bean. Accessed 5 May 2021.
- “Ricinus communis.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, www.kew.org/read-and-watch/ricinus-communis. Accessed 5 May 2021.
