Castor oil plant
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| Common name | Castor Oil Plant |
| Scientific name | Ricinus communis |
| Taxonomic group | Euphorbiaceae |
| Source | Dan L. Perlman |
| Economic botany | Food plants; Industrial products |
| Food plants | Oils |
Castor plant. The oil of this plant is used especially in industrial applications as an ingredient of paint, varnish, waxes, and polishes. This plant is also used in folk medicine, although it contains ricin, a very powerful toxin that can kill. Originally from Africa, the Egyptians grew this plant 6,000 years ago.
