Ricinus communis L.

 

Scientific Name: Ricinus communis L.

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Synonym: Ricinus communis var. genuinus Müll.Arg.

Vernacular name: Aavannakku, Amandam, Erandam, Gandharvahastakam, Kottamaram

Habit: Shru

Habitat: Cultivated, also runs wild 

Distribution: Now cultivated throughout tropics 

Flowering and Fruiting: May-June

Key identification features: Monoecious, branched glaucous shrubs. Leaves alternate, palmately lobed, peltate; Flowers in terminal paniculate racemes, pale yellow; Capsule prickly, 3-lobed. Seeds oblong, smooth, marbled, carunculate.

Tribal Consumers: Kuruma

 

Uses: Ricinus communis is primarily valued for its seeds, which are processed to extract castor oil, a popular natural laxative and moisturizer. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat various ailments, including constipation, skin conditions, and inflammation. However, it's important to note that the seeds contain ricin, a toxic compound, so they must be handled with care.