Ricinus communis
Family: Euphorbiaceae
TOXIC
Tropical perennial, temperate annual. Originally native to Africa,
now widely introduced to southern climates. Even when grown as an
annual, lends a tropical touch to the garden or medicinal landscape.
Given full sun and plenty of compost, grows up to 15 feet in a season,
with reddish-purple tinged deeply lobed leaves up to 2 feet across. The
seeds are poisonous and if ingested will cause severe purging, vomiting
and even death. The oil of the seeds (when professionally prepared)
is a reliable laxative, often given after a vermifuge, to expel worms and
other parasites. Preparation of the oil from Castor seeds for personal
consumption is not recommended. Cultivation: Easy.
Direct seed in early summer. The plants will grow enormously out
of old compost piles. Put 5 seeds together in a hill, and let them
all grow.
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