The castor plant originated in Africa, but escaped cultivation to grow in a number of other parts of the world, including the United States. Scientists refer to the castor plant as Ricinus communis. Does this Spark an idea?
Size
The castor plant grows heights of approximately ten feet, reports Union County College.
Foliage
The castor plant features star-shaped leaves as long as three feet, according to Union County College. Each leaf has between five and eleven points, and a dark red and green color.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the castor plant are typically small and pink and white in color, while the fruit produced by the plant is bright red in color with noticeable spikes protruding from the surface. Inside the fruit are up to three brown and gray spotted seeds.
Geography
In the United States, the castor plant grows wild in in 27 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Warning
When ingested, the castor plant has the potential to be fatal. If it comes in contact with your skin, there is a danger for severe irritation, warns the University of North Carolina.
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