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Castor Bean, Palma Christi

Ricinus Communis

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Overview

The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis', or Palma Christi, is a striking, fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height. Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep reddish-purple hue. Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 9–10Type Annual, ShrubClimate Subtropical
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — they are also the source of castor oil; the leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to, image 88Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — They prefer full sun and thrive in rich, well-drained soil; palmate leaves that can span up to 2 feet wideCastor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates; while the seeds are noteworthy for, image 102Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — place the Castor Bean in areas away from pets and childrenCastor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ample space is essential, as the plant can spread 3 to 4 feet wide; historically used for medicinal, image 68Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth; ample space is essential, as the plant+165

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Annual, Shrub
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (172)

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — they are also the source of castor oil; the leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to, image 88
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — They prefer full sun and thrive in rich, well-drained soil; palmate leaves that can span up to 2 feet wide
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates; while the seeds are noteworthy for, image 102
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — place the Castor Bean in areas away from pets and children
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ample space is essential, as the plant can spread 3 to 4 feet wide; historically used for medicinal, image 68
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth; ample space is essential, as the plant
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost, image 81
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep, image 99
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a, image 74
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost, image 57
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence; annual / shrub for, image 93
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep, image 147
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence; annual / shrub for, image 69
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a, image 122
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a, image 98
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus, image 76
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance; mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny, image 95
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates; while the seeds are noteworthy for, image 54
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus, image 124
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — While the seeds are noteworthy for containing ricin; hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in, image 135
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — annual / shrub for full or half; regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to its dramatic appearance; they are also the, image 61
Photographs by 14 contributors

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