castoroil plant?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by patricia fenn, Jan 12, 2007.

  1. patricia fenn

    patricia fenn Member

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    Location:
    Greece
    This is locally (Crete, Greece) known as a castoroil plant but I can't find the correct name.
    In cooler areas it dies back and regrows each year but in coastal areas it remains healthy and this on has new flowers, fruit and last years seedpods still on.
    About 7 foot tall.
    New plants grow very rapidly.
    One of the few plants not eaten by goats so I guess it contains toxins of some sort.

    Any help in identification much appreciated,
    Patricia Fenn.
     

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  2. TonyR

    TonyR Active Member

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    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    Yes it's Castor-oil Plant, Ricinus communis. In many warmer regions it is regarded as a weed. Just be aware that the seeds are extremely poisonous.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2007
  3. patricia fenn

    patricia fenn Member

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    Location:
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    Thanks Tony, they are regarded as a weed here too, so they are ignored, as is the Cretan way with anything regarded as useless. Consequently it has become a very common plant.
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    Not just the seeds, all parts of the plant (it is the source of ricin).
     

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