Home > Plants > Euphorbiaceae > Ricinus communis

Family Euphorbiaceae

HAWAII - NATURALIZED

Ricinus communis 

Bellows AFB, Waimanalo, Oahu

CASTOR BEAN

Fast-growing invasive shrub of dry disturbed lowlands.  Seeds produce a useful oil, but the outer seed coat contains a high concentration of deadly ricin.  Male flowers on lower portion of stalk, female flowers toward top.  Native to Africa but grown in many areas.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castor_oil