Castor bean - Ricinus communis (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Castor bean

Also known as: Maple weed, Palm of christ

The castor bean is important for its oil which is used as a lubricant, biodiesel ingredient, and rodent repellent, among other applications. The plants are now commercially planted globally, with India producing nearly 75% of the world's castor oil. Castor beans cannot be eaten because they contain a potent poison that's released if the seed is broken.

Scientific classification

Species

Castor bean (Ricinus communis)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

5 m to 12 m

Plant Height

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Green, Red, Purple

Leaf Color

1 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Burgundy

Fruit Color

Yellow, Red, White

Flower Color

Red, Green, Brown, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous, Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Castor bean

Distribution of Castor bean

Distribution Map

Castor bean is native to Eastern Africa, with its presence observed across major regions including Asia, Europe, and both North and South America. Additionally, castor bean has been introduced to a variety of ecosystems where it is sometimes thought to be invasive, which may have an impact on local environments. Despite its widespread geographical presence, it is cultivated in certain areas, although the specific extent is not addressed here.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Pastures, Gardens

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

It can be used as feed and can produce lubricating oil.

Garden Use

Castor bean is generally used in industrial planting. This tropical plant grows tall and is prized for the oil and seeds it produces, as well as its bright, dramatic leaves. A good match for tropical and ornamental gardens, it is often paired with bananas and elephant ears for a tropical effect.

Symbolism

Dangerous pleasure, healing

Interesting Facts

If we compare the castor bean to a person, he would be a "two-sided man". Raw castor bean can cause poisoning, but if used properly, it is a traditional Chinese medicine. Oil can be extracted from the plant, and it has become an important industrial oil source.

Name Story

Castor bean||Palm of christ: The common name "Castor bean" probably comes from its utility to serve as a replacement for castoreum in which is a perfume base made from the dried perineal glands of the beaver. It is known as castor in latin. It comes with another common name palm of Christ, that derives from castor oil's reputed ability to heal wounds and cure ailments.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Castor bean, including the following common varieties :

Castor bean 'Carmencita'

Toxicity

Castor bean is the most poisonous plant to humans on Earth, with the ingestion of one bean causing death in minutes. Ricin, found in castor bean, can poison through inhalation, ingestion, or injection, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure, and more. All parts of castor bean are severely toxic to cats and dogs, particularly the seeds, warranting immediate veterinary attention if ingested.

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Weed Control

The castor bean is considered invasive throughout much of Africa and Asia as well as isolated parts of Europe and the Americas. This species invades farmland and pasture, where it displaces crops or native plant species by shading them out or spreading pervasively and outcompeting other populations. Fire is used to control thick patches of the mature weed, whereas younger plants may be removed by hand prior to fruiting. Due to their naturally occurring ricin content, castor bean seeds are poisonous to humans and animals if they are crushed. Ricin is a toxalbumin that prohibits protein synthesis. Despite this, the plant is a commercial crop cultivated for its oil.

How to Control It

The best season to control 'castor bean' is in late spring or early summer, ideally before the plant has had a chance to produce seeds. Here are a few natural and fun ways to manage this weed:

Manual Pulling: After a good rain shower, when the soil is moist, grasp the base of the 'castor bean' stem and pull upwards, attempting to remove as much of the root system as possible. Be careful not to leave any root fragments behind, as these can regrow.
Plant Competition: Plant fast-growing, desirable plants in the same area to outcompete 'castor bean'. The other plants will take up space, nutrients, water, and light that 'castor bean' requires for growth.
Solarization: Cover the area infested with 'castor bean' using a clear plastic sheet for 4-6 weeks during the hottest part of the summer. The trapped solar energy will heat the soil and effectively kill the weed seeds and roots.
Goat Grazing: If available, goats are a practical and entertaining method to control 'castor bean'. Goats are known for their voracious appetite for weeds and roughage and can effectively control the growth of 'castor bean'. Keep goats grazing until 'castor bean' has been heavily pruned back.
Organic Mulching: Lay about 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, such as straw, grass clippings, or compost over the area where 'castor bean' grows. The mulch reduces light penetration to the weed and makes it difficult for it to grow.

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Quickly Identify Castor bean

Star-shaped glossy leaves with 5-11 lobes and serrated edges, 6-30 inches (15-76 cm) wide.

Stems in vibrant red, green, or purple hues, reaching 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Fruit as spiny capsules, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) in diameter, with mottled smooth seeds.

Yellowish-green non-petaled flowers in clusters on 18-inch (46 cm) spikes, blooming from August to November.

Distinct trunk variations with semi-woody structure or herbaceous growth, reaching up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter.

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Care Guide for Castor bean

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Castor bean, native to Africa's warm climates, prefers consistent moisture and should be watered twice weekly. Adapted to short dry spells, it thrives outdoors, benefitting from natural rain to support rapid growth and vitality during the growing season.

Propagation: The ideal propagation method for castor bean is sowing in Spring. It has moderate difficulty, with successful propagation evident through strong seedling growth. No further tips are required for successful propagation.

Repotting: Castor bean requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring proper root health and preventing waterlogging.

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Images of Castor bean

Distribution of Castor bean

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Castor bean

Care Guide for Castor bean

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