Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarEuphorbiaceaeRicinus communis

Ricinus communis L.

Synonyms

Cataputia major, Cataputia minor, Croton spinosus, Ricinus africanus, Ricinus angulatus, Ricinus armatus, Ricinus atropurpureus, Ricinus badius, Ricinus borboniensis, Ricinus cambodgensis, Ricinus compactus, Ricinus digitatus, Ricinus europaeus, Ricinus gibsonii, Ricinus giganteus, Ricinus glaucus, Ricinus hybridus, Ricinus inermis, Ricinus japonicus, Ricinus krappa, Ricinus laevis, Ricinus leucocarpus, Ricinus lividus, Ricinus macrocarpus, Ricinus macrophyllus, Ricinus medicus, Ricinus medius, Ricinus megalosperma, Ricinus messeniacus, Ricinus metallicus, Ricinus microcarpus, Ricinus minor, Ricinus nanus, Ricinus obermannii, Ricinus peltatus, Ricinus perennis, Ricinus persicus, Ricinus purpurascens, Ricinus ruber, Ricinus rugosus, Ricinus rutilans, Ricinus sanguineus, Ricinus scaber, Ricinus speciosus, Ricinus spectabilis, Ricinus tunisensis, Ricinus undulatus, Ricinus urens, Ricinus viridis, Ricinus vulgaris, Ricinus zanzibarensis, Ricinus zanzibarinus

Common names

Castor-oil Plant, kharwaa, khirwi

Extract from Wikipedia article

The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It belongs to a monotypic genus, Ricinus, and subtribe, Ricininae. The evolution of castor and its relation to other species are currently being studied using modern genetic tools.[+]

AI-generated Description

Ricinus communis, also known as castor oil plant, is a large, perennial shrub native to Africa and Asia. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing wild in various areas, including roadsides, waste grounds, and coastal regions. Studies have reported its presence in different parts of the country, including Doha, Al Rayyan, and the northern regions. The plant is known for its toxic seeds, which contain ricin, a potent poison. Despite its toxicity, Ricinus communis has been used in traditional medicine in Qatar for various purposes, including treating skin conditions and fever. However, handling the plant requires caution due to its toxic nature.

Castor-oil Plant (Ricinus communis) on Al Nada Street in Al Doha Al Jadeeda area. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2014
LinkCastor-oil Plant (Ricinus communis) on Al Nada Street in Al Doha Al Jadeeda area. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2014
Location on mapsAl Nada Street, Doha, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

The Castor-oil Plant (Ricinus communis) was observed growing on Al Nada Street in the Al Doha Al Jadeeda area of Doha, Qatar, on March 21, 2014. The plant was found to be thriving in the local climate, with its large, lobed leaves and tall stalks characteristic of the species. Notably, the plant had already reached a considerable height, indicating that it had been growing for some time. The observation suggests that Ricinus communis can adapt well to Qatar's environment, potentially becoming naturalized in the area. The plant's ability to grow in urban settings, such as along streets, highlights its hardiness and potential for spread. Further observations would be needed to determine the full extent of its growth and potential impact on local ecosystems. The plant's presence also raises questions about its potential uses and management in Qatar.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.