Castor Oil Plant

Ricinus communis L.

Family: Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)

Risk of poisoning to children: Highly toxic

Synonyms

Castor-bean plant, palm of Christ, Palma Christi

Description

The castor oil plant is a herbaceous perennial that grows to a height of around 1.5 m to 2.5 m. Also known as the castor bean, it is often grown as an ornamental plant in pots, on balconies or in public green spaces. The purple-green leaves are alternate and serrated, and grow to a length of 30 cm to 50 cm. The flowers appear from July to September in panicle-shaped inflorescences and are red to yellow in colour. The fruits are spiny capsules containing marbled, brownish seeds.

The plant’s constituents include, above all, the highly toxic ricin, which is found particularly in the seeds.

Symptoms of poisoning

• Following ingestion, severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain may occur.
• Severe cases involving the cardiovascular system, with convulsions and potentially leading to multiple organ failure (e.g. liver necrosis and renal failure) and collapse, are possible, as are cyanosis and mydriasis.
• Mild skin irritation may occur following skin contact.
• Following inhalation, pulmonary oedema, paralysis and respiratory arrest may occur.

First Aid

• If swallowed, remove any plant matter from the mouth and rinse the mouth with water.
• Contact a Poison Centre immediately.
• In case of skin contact, rinse the affected areas with water.
• If the child has ingested a large amount or is showing symptoms and a Poison Centre cannot be reached immediately, call an ambulance.