Ricinus communis Castor-oil plant (Euphorbiaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Ricinus communis
Castor-oil plant
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Ricinus communis plant species is found in Africa? Original habitat is obscure. Naturalized in S. and S.C. Europe. It is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Castor-oil plant.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ricinus communis
Common Name:  Castor-oil plant
Family:  Euphorbiaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The whole plant is very poisonous[10, 19, 20], even one seed has been known to be lethal to children[65, 76, 200]. The leaves are only mildly poisonous[76]. The toxic principle is water-soluble so is not found in the oil[76].

Mature Height:  1.5   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation.

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a well-drained moisture retentive clay or sandy loam in full sun[14, 200]. The castor-oil plant is fast-growing[188] and very ornamental[1]. Although it is not winter hardy in Britain, it can be grown outdoors as an annual bedding plant for sub-tropical dispays, and can flower and produce fruit in its first year in warm summers[1, 4]. It has been known to ripen a crop of seeds as far north as Christiana in Norway[4]. It has a long history of cultivation as an oil-bearing and medicinal plant, having been grown in ancient Egypt[238]. It is still widely cultivated for its seed in tropical and sub-tropical zones[1, 61]. There are many named varieties[4]. Plants may need support in exposed areas[188].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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