Castor Bean

The castor bean plant is a species of perennial flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus, Ricinus, and subtribe, Ricininae. The evolution of castor and its relation to other species is currently being studied using modern genetic tools. It grows as a bush or small tree in tropical and subtropical regions, featuring large, glossy, palmately lobed leaves and distinctive spiny seed pods. Widely cultivated for its prized oil, the plant has a striking ornamental appearance that makes it a popular feature in modern landscaping and gardens across the globe.