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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) — place the Castor Bean in areas away from pets and children; scientifically known as Ricinus, image 142
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 112
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — palmate leaves that can span up to 2 feet wide; they prefer full sun and thrive in rich, image 82
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a, image 146
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 123
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers; and handle with care
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural, image 125
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — palmate leaves that can span up to 2 feet wide; they prefer full sun and thrive in rich, well-drained soil
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ample space is essential, as the plant can spread 3 to 4 feet wide
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance; mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny, image 143
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, image 91
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth; ample space is essential, image 65
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Castor Bean plants are best placed in the back of a border or as a focal point; its large, image 90
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — They prefer full sun and thrive in rich, well-drained soil
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors; fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height
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, image 67
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 64
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors; fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10, image 107
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 63
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi; place the, image 55
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 78
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors
Photographs by 15 contributors

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