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(Ricinus communis)
Castorbean (Ricinus communis)
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Josep Iglesias Panés
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Josep Iglesias Panés
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Josep Iglesias Panés | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Attribution: Josep Iglesias Panés (cc-by-sa) | Rights Holder: Josep Iglesias Panés | Publisher: PlantNet | Date Created: 2020-10-19T12:25:43Z | Title: Ricinus communis L.: flower | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ricinus communis, commonly known as Castorbean, is a fast-growing plant that can be an annual or perennial, and may take the form of a tree, shrub, subshrub, or herb, depending on the growing conditions and cultivar. It is native to the semi-arid regions of East Africa and thrives in a variety of habitats including grasslands, scrublands, and along riverbanks. The plant’s height can vary widely, typically reaching up to 12 meters (39 feet) in frost-free climates, with a similar spread. Castorbean is known for its large, palmate leaves that can be green or dark reddish-purple, depending on the variety. The plant produces spiky seed pods and small flowers; the male flowers are yellowish-green with creamy stamens, while the female flowers have prominent red stigmas and are less numerous.
Castorbean is valued for its ornamental foliage, rapid growth, and adaptability to different soil types. It is often used in parks and public gardens, and as a focal point in bedding schemes. The plant prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from low to medium, and is adaptable to various soil drainage rates. While it can grow in cooler climates, such as southern England, it is generally treated as an annual in regions with frost. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and the seeds contain ricin, a potent toxin. Additionally, the plant can become invasive in suitable climates, so care should be taken to control its spread outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Castorbean is valued for its ornamental foliage, rapid growth, and adaptability to different soil types. It is often used in parks and public gardens, and as a focal point in bedding schemes. The plant prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from low to medium, and is adaptable to various soil drainage rates. While it can grow in cooler climates, such as southern England, it is generally treated as an annual in regions with frost. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and the seeds contain ricin, a potent toxin. Additionally, the plant can become invasive in suitable climates, so care should be taken to control its spread outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub, Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Semi-arid regions, grasslands, and scrublands in East Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Castor Bean, Palma-Christi, Castor, Castor-Bean, Castor-Bean-Plant, Castor-Oil-Plant, Kasterolieboom, Kharwa’A, Wunderbaum, Rizinus
Scientific Names: , Ricinus communis, Ricinus zanzibarensis, Ricinus communis var. communis, Ricinus persicus, Ricinus sanguineus, Ricinus communis var. typicus, Ricinus africanus, Ricinus messeniacus, Ricinus communis var. violaceocaulis
GBIF Accepted Name: Ricinus communis L.