Three-chambered seed pods typical of the plant family; Peter's Canyon Regional Park, Irvine, CA 5-21-06. © Joan Avise |
Castor-bean Ricinis communis Invasive species, probably a native to North-Eastern Africa (i.e. Somalia and possibly Ethiopia). Back to Euphorbiaceae of Orange County, California |
Found in disturbed places; Peter's Canyon Regional Park, Irvine, CA 5-21-06. © Joan Avise |
Male flowers and buds beneath red female flowers; Peter's Canyon Regional Park, Irvine, CA 5-21-06. © Joan Avise |
Male flower buds beneath red female flowers; Peter's Canyon Regional Park, Irvine, CA 5-21-06. © Joan Avise |
Seed pods. Aliso Canyon, Aliso Viejo, Orange County, CA. 09-23-11. © Peter J. Bryant |
The beans contain the protein ricin, one of the most toxic materials known. The lethal dose for humans is equivalent to the contents of about eight beans. The beans are also the source of castor oil, which is used as a laxative and for other purposes. Aliso Creek at 2nd St., Mission Viejo, 9-05-13. © Ron Vanderhoff |