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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'

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) — While the seeds are noteworthy for containing ricin; hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in, image 87
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance; mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny, image 71
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — place the Castor Bean in areas away from pets and children; scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden; prefers full sun, image 80
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi; place the, image 151
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence; annual / shrub for, image 141
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — from deep green to purplish-red; this perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates, image 84
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 51
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 111
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 85
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers; and handle, image 86
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus, image 148
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers; and handle, image 110
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 75
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi; place the, image 103
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers; and handle, image 134
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence; annual / shrub for, image 117
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a, image 50
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance; mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors; fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10, image 131
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus, image 52
Photographs by 10 contributors

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