Ricinus communis

Kuvaus:

Plant IdentificationCommon name: castor oil plantBotanical Name: Ricinus communisFamily name: EuphorbiaceaeLocation: Richmond, NSWDate: 21st March 2009Collector: John PoulakisHabitat: Native to Africa and Eurasia. A shrub grows up to 3m high. Common in wasteland and disturbed areas.Economic significance: Cultivated for castor oil. Seeds contain the toxin ricin. Toxicity differs with various livestock. Humans are sensitive to the toxin and a few seeds ingested may kill.