Gardening Snippet #2002-004
Castorbean (a.k.a. Palma Christi)
ricinus communis
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foliage:
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blossom:
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1. Clicking on either image (above) displays larger photos within a new browser window. To continue browsing, close that window. |
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Photos are courtesy of a cooperative mother nature, my Minolta DiMage 5 (digital camera),
yours truly, and the Aantares family of online
Communities. |
We've only recently introduced this species to our humble homestead (within zone 8b), to be enjoyed primarily as
an interesting and colorful ornamental. But we've long known of the healthful benefits which are derived from the
use of castor oil, which has been commercially extracted and widely used (medicinally) for many centuries.
Listed below are some links to more specific info about "ricinus communis", some of its suggested uses
to improve one's health, and some commercial uses as well:
ars-grin.gov
... use the scientific name search option, and search for ricinus communis
maxshouse.com
... a guide to toxic plants cautions about its seeds' extremely potent phytotoxin (ricin)
baar.com
... a source of pure (cold-processed) castor oil, and its beneficial application
botanical.com
... additional info on the health and commercial related uses of castor oil
thegardenhelper.com
... indicates that ricinus communis is an excellent indoor-potted home/school candidate
hort.purdue.edu
... suggests an alternative cash crop; and discusses its pests, diseases, and harvesting
elib.cs.berkeley.edu
... additional photos and info about ricinus communis
(this database is sometimes SLOW to respond, but worth the wait!)
-- Karl
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