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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) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence; annual / shrub for full or half
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural, image 101
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus, image 100
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 150
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'; caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden; prefers full sun, image 152
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — annual / shrub for full or half; regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, image 120
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth; ample space is essential, image 113
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to its dramatic appearance; they are also the source of
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi; place the, image 79
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 116
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth; ample space is essential, image 89
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — place the Castor Bean in areas away from pets and children; scientifically known as Ricinus, image 94
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 115
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden; prefers full sun, image 128
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — While the seeds are noteworthy for containing ricin; hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors; fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10, image 83
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep reddish-purple hue
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 140
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — While the seeds are noteworthy for containing ricin
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ample space is essential, as the plant can spread 3 to 4 feet wide; historically used for medicinal
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi; place the Castor Bean
Photographs by 13 contributors

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