Castor-oil plant, Ricinus communis
This is a very distinctive plant, growing up to 4m, with spreading star-shaped leaves and tall, spiky fruit capsules. The shiny, dark green or reddish leaves are paler below and have serrated margins. The flowers (August to April) can be
reddish or cream. Green, brown or reddish, three-lobed seed capsules are covered with soft
spines and protrude from the top of the plant.
The Castor Oil plant is extremely poisonous and can cause nausea, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, hypotension and seizures. It is also a host plant for the Polyphagus Shot Hole Borer.
To eradicate this plant:Â small plants can be hand pulled. For larger plants, cut off the stem below ground level and compact the soil over the remaining stump.
Recent Comments