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Taxon  Report  
Ricinus communis  L.
Castor bean,   Castorbean
Ricinus communis is a shrub that is not native to California.
Cal-IPC rating: limited
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Observation Search
~6977 records in California
redone or more occurrences
within a 7.5-minute quadrangle
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Bloom Period
Genus: Ricinus
Family: Euphorbiaceae  
Category: angiosperm  
PLANTS group:Dicot
Jepson eFlora section: eudicot

Toxicity: Possible skin irritation from touching the young leaf or seed of this plant.
Do not eat the young leaf or seed of this plant.

Wetlands: Occurs usually in non wetlands, occasionally in wetlands

Habitat: disturbed

Communities: weed, characteristic of disturbed places

Name Status:
Accepted by JEF + PLANTS

Information about  Ricinus communis from other sources

[Wikipedia] Native Range, Invasiveness: Although Ricinus communis is indigenous to the southeastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and India, today it is widespread throughout tropical regions.[5] In areas with a suitable climate, castor establishes itself easily where it can become an invasive plant and can often be found on wasteland. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)

[Wikipedia] Allergenicity and toxicity: Ricinus is extremely allergenic, and has an OPALS allergy scale rating of 10 out of 10. The plant is also a very strong trigger for asthma, and allergies to Ricinus are commonplace and severe.[20] The castor oil plant produces abundant amounts of very light pollen, which easily become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, triggering allergic reactions. The sap of the plant causes skin rashes. People who are allergic to the plant can also develop rashes from touching the leaves, flowers, or seeds. They can also have cross-allergic reactions to latex sap from the related Hevea brasiliensis plant. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)


Suggested Citation
Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals. [web application]. 2024. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/   (Accessed: 12/04/2024).