Castor oil plant
Appearance
Castor oil plant | |
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Castor bean | |
Scientific classification | |
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Subtribe: | Ricininae
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Genus: | Ricinus
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Species: | R. communis
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Binomial name | |
Ricinus communis |
The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), is a plant species of the Euphorbiaceae, the sole member of the genus Ricinus and of the subtribe Ricininae. Its seed is the castor bean which is not a true bean. The castor oil plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and to create Castor oil. Its oil is used in the chemical industry, e.g. for polyurethane, for adhesives, dyes and lubricants. As a drug, it can be used as a laxative.