★(¯`•.¸♥ I'm the New Members Guide for Ciao so if you see anybody needing help please p...
★(¯`•.¸♥ I'm the New Members Guide for Ciao so if you see anybody needing help please point them in my direction ♥.•´¯) ---★★
Member since:26.12.2001
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Beware of the Castor oil Plant. Just one seed will kill a small child. It is best not to even keep the plant as a houseplant as the leaves are also slightly toxic. So if you have a castor oil plant in your house or garden and small children visit you are best to give it away. The plant is listed as poisonous with The Royal Horticultural Society
Children are naturally curious so don't expect them not to taste different leaves even if they have been told not to. It is part of a young childs curiosity to explore new textures and tastes so nibbling at plants in the garden is quite normal. My own son ended up in hospital due to eating a few deadly nightshade berries which were growing in our hedge so this will explain why I really think any dangerous plants are removed before it is TOO LATE.
If you do have this plant in your garden already dig it up. If you suspect someone has been poisoned then seek medical help taking along a sample of the plant to the hospital. Same with animals, you must seek assistance.
The seed coat is the part of the plant which is most lethal and was once used by the KGB to dispose of their enemies.
Most Garden Centres should point out the hazards and ensure you understand them before proceeding to sell you this plant
♣ THE CASTOR OIL PLANT
The Latin name is Ricinus communis and comes from the family of Euphorbiaceae
This short, fat shrub-like plant has reddish/purplish stems that can reach up to 12 feet in height. It is a very fast growing perennial and is native to Indiana
The plant is very hardy and grows very well in the South West of England. The very large leaves are umbrella shaped and have finger shaped ends to them Reddish flowers which are monoecious are produced in narrow clusters. One large, mottled, seed develops in each lobe. It grows best in sandy compost but needs sunlight to grow so is not suitable as a shade plant.
You can grow it in British gardens as an annual but you are highly unlikely to be able to get a plant to produce flowers let alone seeds. If you do require the seeds you will find it produces only tiny ones so of no commercial value at all for the manufacturers of the oil. Ideal if you just want tall green foliage though. You may need to support the stake the plant as it grows.
Sow the seeds in late march or early April in a hot greenhouse in individual pots; plant outside after the last expected frosts as frost will certainly kill the small plants. Plant in the area you require them to grow, as they do not like to be moved. Always wear gloves when handling even small plants.
The actual oil is obtained from the processed seed pod by means of heating or pressing.
I saw this last tit-bit recently whist surfing the web and thought it was an interesting addition to my review. I hope you agree
♣ MURDER In 1978, ricin was used to assassinate Georgi Markov in 1978, a Bulgarian journalist who spoke out against the Bulgarian government. He was stabbed with the point of an umbrella while waiting at a bus stop near Waterloo Station in London. They found a perforated metallic pellet embedded in his leg that had presumably contained the ricin toxin, which comes from the unprocessed seedpod of the castor oil plant
Pictures of Castor oil Plant
castor oil plant
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OMG, we had one of these, but it seems to have died as it isn't where it used to be. I shall have to investigate Sherlock Holmes style to make sure it is no longer and not lurking somewhere else.
hillhead 22.06.2009 10:42
Goodness. I was not aware of it. Yes we do have to be careful. This is great info on this plant. I dont have one in my Home but this will stick with me. I have some Hollyhocks outdoors and my Mum told me recently that to watch my Grandson around them. Yes children put everything in their mouths also. I am glad your son is ok.
catsholiday 20.06.2009 16:02
Amazing that something so lethal could be in your garden - not in mine though.
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May 7th, 2002
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