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Castor Bean

Ricinus communis

The Castor Bean plant has large, glossy leaves and spiky seed pods. It grows tall with vibrant red or green seeds that are poisonous if eaten.

Habitat: Various environments

Appearance

The Castor Bean has large, deeply lobed leaves, often reddish or purplish, resembling a giant star or hand. Its sturdy stems can be green to dark red, topped with spiky, often vibrant red or green seed pods that burst open when ripe, revealing patterned seeds.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyEuphorbiaceaeGenusRicinus
Castor Bean
nitrogen_fixing trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgemedicinal trait badge
Castor Bean

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

4/5 · High

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient Egyptians used castor oil thousands of years ago for lamps and as a medicine!

Castor Bean is a 'monotypic' genus, meaning it's the only species in its entire group!

The highly toxic ricin from its seeds is one of the most poisonous natural substances known.

The seeds were once used as a precise unit of weight for gems and medicines!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Shield

Castor Bean produces ricin, a deadly poison, in its seeds and other parts, making it extremely dangerous for most animals to eat.

Ability

Spiky Seed Grenades

Castor Bean has spiky seed pods that explosively open, flinging seeds far away to spread its offspring.

Ability

Rapid Growth Power

Castor Bean can grow incredibly fast in warm climates, quickly outcompeting other plants for sunlight and space.

Measurements & details

Height
100-600 cm
Spread
100-300 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to fall, year-round in tropical climates
Edible
No
Toxicity
Deadly
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for pollen, aiding wind dispersal

eaten by

Death's-head hawkmoth

Acherontia atropos

caterpillars feed on its leaves despite toxicity

depends on

Sweet potato whitefly

Bemisia tabaci

feeds on sap, weakening the plant as a pest

depends on

Two-spotted spider mite

Tetranychus urticae

sucks plant juices, causing leaf damage

Traits

Also known as

Castor Oil PlantPalma Christi

Collections

Safety

Danger

4/5 · High

Never touch or eat any part of the Castor Bean plant as it is poisonous.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Castor Bean?

100-600 cm

How wide does Castor Bean spread?

100-300 cm

When does Castor Bean bloom?

Summer to fall, year-round in tropical climates

Is Castor Bean edible?

No

Is Castor Bean toxic?

Deadly

What is Castor Bean's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Castor Bean pollinated?

Wind

Where is Castor Bean usually found?

Various environments

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Where to spot

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