Castor oil plant
The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), is a plant species of the Euphorbiaceae, the sole member of the genus Ricinus and of the subtribe Ricininae. Its seed is the castor bean which is not a true bean. The castor oil plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and to create Castor oil. Its oil is used in the chemical industry, e.g. for polyurethane, for adhesives, dyes and lubricants. As a drug, it can be used as a laxative.
| Castor oil plant | |
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| Castor bean | |
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| Subtribe: | Ricininae
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| Genus: | Ricinus
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| Species: | R. communis
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| Binomial name | |
| Ricinus communis | |
Castor Oil Plant Media
Photographed and uploaded by user:Geographer.*Castor Bean in disturbed area in Powder Canyon, en:Puente Hills, California, July 14, 2005.
In Greece it is hardy enough to grow as a small tree. In northern countries it is grown instead as an annual.
