Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 1007 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000297077
Common Names
- Castor Bean
- Castor Oil Plant
- Palma Christi
Description
Ricinus communis (also called Castor Bean, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree, up to 8 m tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 25 cm. It is native to Central and South America, and grows in tropical and subtropical moist forests.
Uses & Benefits
Ricinus communis is used for its ornamental value in gardens and as a cut flower.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ricinus communis has white flowers with yellow anthers. The seeds are small, dark brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings have a single pair of oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ricinus communis is a fast-growing annual plant that can reach up to 10 feet in height. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by seed in the spring or by cuttings in the summer.
Where to Find Ricinus communis
Ricinus communis can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Ricinus communis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ricinus communis?
Ricinus communis
What is the common name of Ricinus communis?
Castor Bean
What is the natural habitat of Ricinus communis?
Ricinus communis is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Species in the Ricinus genus
Species in the Euphorbiaceae family
Acalypha peckoltii,
Acalypha peduncularis,
Acalypha pendula,
Acalypha perrieri,
Acalypha persimilis,
Acalypha peruviana,
Acalypha pervilleana,
Acalypha phleoides,
Acalypha phyllonomifolia,
Acalypha pilosa,
Acalypha pippenii,
Acalypha pittieri,
Acalypha platyphylla,
Acalypha pleiogyne,
Acalypha plicata,
Acalypha pohliana,
Acalypha poiretii,
Acalypha polymorpha,
Acalypha polystachya,
Acalypha portoricensis,
Acalypha pruinosa,
Acalypha pruriens,
Acalypha pseudalopecuroides,
Acalypha pseudovagans,
Acalypha psilostachya,
Acalypha pubiflora,
Acalypha pulchrespicata,
Acalypha punctata,
Acalypha purpurascens,
Acalypha purpusii,
Acalypha pycnantha,
Acalypha pygmaea,
Acalypha radians,
Acalypha radicans,
Acalypha radinostachya,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha radula,
Acalypha rafaelensis,
Acalypha raivavensis,
Acalypha rapensis,
Acalypha reflexa,
Acalypha repanda,
Acalypha retifera,
Acalypha rhombifolia,
Acalypha rhomboidea,
Acalypha richardiana,
Acalypha riedeliana,
Acalypha rivularis,
Acalypha rottleroides,
Acalypha rubrinervis,