Description

• Ricinus communis, commonly known as castor bean or castor oil plant, is a fast-growing shrub or small tree in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

• It has stout, branching stems that may be green, reddish, or purplish, depending on the variety.

• The large, alternate leaves are palmately lobed, usually with five to eleven pointed lobes and toothed margins. They are often glossy and may be green, bronze, or reddish-purple.

• The flowers are small and lack petals, growing in upright clusters, with female flowers typically positioned above the male flowers.

• The fruits are rounded, often spiny capsules that split open when mature, releasing large, mottled seeds.

• The seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic compound. They must never be eaten or handled in ways that could expose their contents.

Range

• Probably native to northeastern tropical Africa, although its precise origin is uncertain.

• Widely cultivated and naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Mexico.

• It grows in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area, where it is commonly found as a naturalized plant.

Habitat

• Grows in disturbed areas, roadsides, riverbanks, abandoned fields, waste ground, and forest margins.

• Favours sunny locations and well-drained soils, but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.

• Often establishes rapidly in warm climates where bare ground and sufficient moisture allow its seeds to germinate.