Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Ricinus communis L., Sp. Pl. 1007 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Castor bean; Castor oil plant; Maple weed
 Description

Erect, ± glabrous, shrub up to 4 m high (in colder areas as an annual herb). Stems rounded, smooth or slightly ribbed, softly woody. Lvs alternate, deltate, deeply palmately 5–9-lobed (first few lvs opposite and shallowly lobed); lobes acute to acuminate, irregularly serrate; petiole somewhat > or ± = blade; seedling lvs 6–12 cm diam.; adult lvs 20–40 cm diam.; young lvs with deciduous stipules. Panicle erect, with ♂ fls below, ♀ above; bracts subtending panicle-branches ovate-triangular, entire, deciduous. Pedicel elongating at fruiting; capsule deeply grooved between cells, usually covered in long soft spines, rarely without spines. Seeds rectangular, usually mottled brown or grey, c. 15 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Connor, H.E.; Fountain, J. 2009: Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Stewart, J. 1971: Plants in New Zealand Poisonous to Man. New Zealand Department of Health, Wellington.