Castor oil plant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castor oil plant |
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|---|---|
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| Castor bean | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Subfamily: |
Acalyphoideae
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| Tribe: |
Acalypheae
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| Subtribe: |
Ricininae
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| Genus: |
Ricinus
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| Species: |
R. communis
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| Binomial name | |
| Ricinus communis |
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The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) is a unique plant species. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is the only member of its genus, Ricinus. Its seed is called a castor bean, but it's not a true bean like the ones you eat.
People grow the castor oil plant in gardens because it looks pretty. It is also grown to make Castor oil. This oil is used in many ways, like in different products and even some medicines.
Contents
About the Castor Oil Plant
The castor oil plant is known for its large, star-shaped leaves. These leaves can be green or reddish-purple. The plant also grows interesting spiky seed capsules. Inside these capsules are the castor beans.
Where Does the Castor Oil Plant Grow?
This plant originally comes from Africa and India. But it can now be found in many warm parts of the world. In places with cold winters, it is often grown as an annual. This means it lives for only one growing season. In warmer areas, it can grow into a small tree.
What is Castor Oil Used For?
Castor oil has been used for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used it in lamps and as a skin treatment. Today, it has many uses:
- In Industry: Castor oil is used to make many different products. These include special plastics, glues, and colorful dyes. It is also used in lubricants, which help machine parts move smoothly.
- In Medicine: Castor oil can be used as a medicine. It is sometimes used to help people with digestion problems. Always ask an adult or doctor before using any plant for medicine.
Is the Castor Oil Plant Safe?
It's important to know that the castor bean itself is poisonous. It contains a strong toxin called ricin. This is why you should never eat castor beans. However, the oil made from the beans is processed to remove this toxin. This makes the oil safe for its many uses.
Images for kids
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A castor oil plant growing in a disturbed area.
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In Greece, this plant can grow into a small tree. In colder places, it's grown as an annual plant.
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How much castor oil seed was produced in 2006.
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A green castor oil plant after blooming, with developing seed capsules.
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A close-up of a castor oil plant leaf.
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A male flower of the castor oil plant.
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Tiny pollen grains from the castor oil plant.
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A female flower of the castor oil plant.
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The green capsule dries and splits into three sections, releasing the seeds.
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Castor oil plant seeds.
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A young castor oil plant (about four weeks old) showing its first true leaves.
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_-_Flickr_-_Kevin_Thiele.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Ricino para niños
