Castor bean

Castor bean is the common name for *Ricinus communis*, a fast-growing flowering plant in the spurge family.

Castor bean is the common name for *Ricinus communis*, a fast-growing flowering plant in the spurge family. It is grown as an ornamental and as a crop for castor oil, but all parts of the plant are toxic and the seeds contain ricin, a highly poisonous compound. It is native to tropical east Africa and has naturalized in many warm regions worldwide.

Taxonomy and description

*Ricinus communis* is the only species in its genus and is generally described as a fast-growing shrub or small tree with large leaves and distinctive seed capsules. It is a member of the spurge family.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to tropical east Africa and has become naturalized in warm climates around the world. It often grows in disturbed places such as roadsides, riverbeds, fallow fields, and field edges.

Uses

Castor seed is the source of castor oil, which has been used in industrial products such as lubricants, polishes, soaps, inks, plastics, and cosmetics. The plant is also cultivated as an ornamental.

Toxicity

Castor bean is poisonous, and its seeds contain ricin, one of the best-known plant toxins. Poisoning is most likely if seeds are crushed or chewed, since intact seeds are less likely to release the toxin.