- Grows as a large, woody perennial shrub up to 30–40 feet (10–12 meters) tall in the tropics, or as a smaller annual plant (4–8 feet) in cooler climates. Stems are hollow and can range from green to reddish-purple
- Alternate, large (ranging from 6 to 24 inches across), and palmately lobed with 5 to 11 sharp, tooth-edged points. They often start out bronze or reddish-purple before turning dark green.
- Inconspicuous, monoecious flowers grow upright on dense spikes (up to 18 inches long). Male flowers are yellowish-green with prominent stamens, while female flowers feature distinct reddish stigmas.
- The fruit is a round, spiny, three-lobed capsule that turns green, red, or purple. Each capsule splits open to release large, oval, shiny, bean-like seeds with intricate mottled patterns.
Native
Euphorbiaceae
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Castor oil plant
Ricinnus communis L.
Local / Vernacular name: Arandi
Key Facts
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Genus
Ricinnus
Species
communis
Origin
Native
Est. Age
~3 years
Height
~2.00 m
Girth
~5.00 cm
Flowering Season
Late summer
Fruiting Season
kharif
Canopy Spread
~6.00 m
Campus Zone
Below Science block
About this Tree
- Habit: Fast-growing, tender perennial shrub or small tree in warm climates.
- Leaves: Large, alternate, palmately lobed with 5 to 11 deep segments and serrated edges.
- Flowers: Monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant) lacking petals, clustered in prominent terminal panicles.
- Fruit: A spiny, three-lobed capsule (regma) that explodes to release seeds.
- Seeds: Oval, mottled, tick-like seeds (castor beans) containing 40–60% oil and the toxic protein ricin.
- Wildlife Host: Serves as a primary food source for specialist insects like the castor butterfly and eri silkmoth larvae.
- Seed Dispersal (Myrmecochory): Feeds ants with specialized seed appendages, helping disperse and plant seeds naturally.
- Soil Restoration: Thrives in dry, marginal lands where other crops fail, helping prevent soil erosion with deep roots.
- Bio-based Sustainability: Replaces petroleum in green goods like biodegradable plastics and eco-pesticides (castor cake
- Natural Laxative: Castor oil stimulates muscle contractions in the intestines to clear the bowels or relieve temporary constipation.
- Skin and Wound Care: Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help moisturize dry skin, reduce acne flare-ups, and soothe minor skin irritations.
- Joint and Muscle Relief: Topical packs applied to the skin help ease joint stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- Traditional Remedies: Leaf extracts and oils are used in traditional systems like Ayurveda to help reduce local swellings, boils, and infant flatulence.
- Castor oil was used as a natural laxative and soothing balm.
- In other culture it is called "Palm of Christ" because of its perceived divine ability to heal wounds and soothe skin irritations.
- It is also used leaf and oil applications to reduce joint swelling, calm headaches, and treat skin ailments.
Image Gallery
Leaves
Related Trees
Other trees in the Euphorbiaceae on campus
