Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Castor Oil Plant |
| Also Known As | Castor Bean |
| Scientific Name | Ricinus communis |
| Main Color | Red |
| Plant Type |  Tree |
| Distribution |  Naturalized |
| Flowering | Jul - Sep |
| Image | Ricinus-003 |
| Photographer | Gita |
| Location Found | Savill Gardens |
| Country Found | UK |
Flower Details
Description
Ricinus communis is a fast-growing perennial shrub or small tree that can reach up to 12 metres in height. It has large, glossy, palmate leaves with serrated edges and produces spiky seed capsules. The seeds are mottled and contain the highly toxic compound ricin.
Distribution
Native to the southeastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and India, it is now widespread in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It often grows in wastelands and along roadsides.
Medicinal/Other Uses
✅ The oil extracted from the seeds is used as a laxative and in the production of industrial lubricants.
Edibility
Inedible - seeds are highly toxic and should never be consumed.
Human Toxicity
Highly_Toxic
Highly Toxic - ingestion of seeds can be fatal, causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Pet Toxicity
Highly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion can lead to severe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially death.
Active Compounds
Ricin, ricinoleic acid, ricinine.
Quality Issue
Action: Enhanced. Image is soft and lacks clear detail in the flower/fruit structure