This fast growing shrub has upright spreading branches that form an open rounded crown. It has large dull green to bronze-red, lobed leaves and the yellowish-green flowers appear in a cluster from spring to summer followed by large spiny fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Ricinus communisis naturally found from Asia to Africa growing in forest margins and commonly on disturbed soils.

It prefers a well drained fertile moist sandy to clay soil in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The Castor Oil Plant is grown for its foliage and colourful fruit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders or around a water feature for a tropical effect. In cooler climates it is grown as a glasshouse specimen or it can be grown in pots and tubs. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in one season. Under ideal conditions it can become a weed as it self-sows readily. ID 850

Ricinus (RI-ki-nus / RIS-i-nus) communis(kom-EW-nis)

Euphorbiaceae(yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Spurge Family