Castor Bean, Palma Christi

Ricinus Communis

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Overview

The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis', or Palma Christi, is a striking, fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height. Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep reddish-purple hue. Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 9–10Climate Subtropical

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Low
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Climate: Subtropical

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Photos (152)

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — annual / shrub for full or half; regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, image 144

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'; caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the, image 145

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a, image 146

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep, image 147

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus, image 148

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural, image 149

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates; while the seeds are noteworthy for, image 150

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance; mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny, image 143

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