Hey all I was given this plant by our local church when my mom inquired about it today. I was told that is it know as Higuerillo in South America and other parts as well. when I did a search I found out that it is know as Castor Oil plant which produces seeds that are deadly from ricin. But I would like to confirm this with second opinions here on the board. Thanks
Yeah, it is Ricinus communis or Higuerillo or castor bean. People grow it because it grows rapidly and looks tropical. And yeah, it is poisonous and not just the seeds. However lots of things are poisonous. Frankly, if I were going to grow this, I'd grow one with burgundy leaves and red seed capsules. I don't need to, because it grows everywhere down here. Since you have a rather unlovely specimen, I'd rip it out, toss it on the compost or out with the yard waste. There is a look-alike, Tetrapanax papyriferus, that I root out with a vengeance because of allergies. Face mask and gloves when I do so. All you need is gloves or a willingness to wash your uncut hands when pulling your castor bean.
