Family Name: Eeuphorbiaceae
Botanical Name(s): Ricinus Communis
Popular Name(s): Castor, Palma Christi, Ricin, Wonder Tree, Krapata, Djarak, Reer
Parts Used: Castor Leaves, Castor Seeds, Castor Roots, Castor Oil
Habitat: Common in distributed areas and wasteland
Description: Castor bean is an herbaceous annual plant with height ranging from 3 to 10 feet high. The stout stem bears alternate, peltate, palmately lobed leaves that may be from 4 inches to 21/2 feet in diameter. A terminal raceme of flowers appears in later summer. The fruit is a spiny capsule, which splits into three one-seeded parts. The seeds are smooth, glossy, black or mottled with gray or brown.
Uses: Castor leaves are used externally by nursing mothers to increase the flow of milk. Castor Oil is a natural emollient and can be applied to the skin and hair as a softener. Externally Castor Oil is used to treat ringworm and itch.