Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5380041

Castor Bean

Ricinus communis

Also known as Castor Oil Plant, Palma Christi, Wonder Tree, African Coffee Tree

Castor bean plants feature massive, star-shaped palmate leaves with glossy reddish or deep green surfaces and distinctively spiky seed pods. Native to northeastern Africa, this aggressive grower thrives in disturbed soils, riverbanks, and tropical waste grounds worldwide. Every part of the plant, particularly the attractive speckled seeds, contains ricin, making it one of the most deadly toxic plants on Earth.

ToxicFast-GrowingInvasive
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Soil Nutrients
  • Water
Predators
  • Spider Mites
  • Castor Semi-Looper Caterpillars
ThreatsFrost, deliberate eradication as a noxious weed
HabitatsDisturbed ground, roadsides, riverbanks, tropical and subtropical regions
Life spanPerennial in tropical regions, annual in temperate zones
Classification
  1. OrderMalpighiales
  2. FamilyEuphorbiaceae
  3. GenusRicinus
  4. SpeciesRicinus communis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
All parts contain deadly ricin; ingesting seeds can be fatal and sap irritates skin.
Why it is dangerous
Seeds contain ricin, a potent Ribosome Inactivating Protein that inhibits protein synthesis, causing organ failure and death if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by huge palmate leaves with 7 to 11 lobes and clusters of reddish, prickly seed pods containing shiny speckled seeds.
What to do
Never ingest any part or touch broken stems with bare hands; wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves if handling.
Responsible observation
  • Observe safely: Appreciate the dramatic foliage from a safe distance without breaking stems or foliage.
  • Avoid seeds: Keep children and pets far away from the attractive, highly poisonous speckled seeds.
  • Wear protection: Use heavy gloves and full coverage if cutting or removing this weed from garden beds.
Related species
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