Sunday, September 19, 2010

Castor Plant/ Today's Flowers

Fruit (poisonous) of the castor plant (Rincinus communis)

Considered a striking annual in  gardens here in Ontario,  castor plant is a weed in parts of the southern United States where it is a prolific perennial.  For sure, wherever it grows it's a robust plant that looks quite tropical. This particular plant has large green leaves with red veins. 

Closeup of the spiny, poisonous fruit


If you love flowers -- and who doesn't - check out Today's Flowers at http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

26 comments:

  1. This is a lovely plant. Don't think I have seen it here in the south. Although, I have heard of castor bean plants that grow quite tall.

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  2. Interesting that the flowers are toxic yet the beans aren't, although some would argue with that because it's the beans that is used to make castol oil! Ick!

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  3. Pretty but poisonous. Is this in your garden? Some people are even affected if they brush up against it. One can get a nasty rash.
    Interesting plant though. MB

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  4. A striking red in this plant! Almost looks like a mini bottlebrush! Great shot!

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  5. What beautiful photos, love this flower and its color.

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  6. MB,

    No, not in my garden. This was growing in a small garden at a farm stand.

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  7. It's always the bright and bold ones that are the most dangerous! But I'm enjoying them from your photos :D

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  8. Really interesting form, but probably not what you'd want in an arrangement!

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  9. I'm also fascinated by the beauty of this plant. Very nice capture!
    Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Yes, I realized that I didn't put a comment box in my nature blog, but now, I have it there. Feel free to comment.
    Best regards.

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  10. Those are so vibrant and beautiful. I used to have a castor bean plant that grew as tall as a tree. However, one winter when it died I learned they were toxic to animals and so I didn't plant any more.

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  11. I don't think I've ever seen this.
    It is quite striking in appearance. The little red fruits remind of our gum ball trees.
    Lovely images!

    Carletta's Captures

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  12. they look like Rambutans. ^0^
    this is an extraordinary plant. something i haven't definitely seen.

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  13. i love the vibrant color. my grandmother used to warn us of picking up something red in the wild. she said most of them are poisonous. this flower looks like achiote/annatto that we use here for food coloring and flavoring.

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  14. This looks like it might be an interesting plant to dry and have in a year-round arrangement. I like the deep red. (Today is my first flower post... you may have inspired me, EG!)

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  15. Indeed it looks tropical!
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  16. These are stunning flowers. Love the colors!

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  17. It's beautiful! You can find it everywhere here although I don't think it's endemic.

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  18. They look like little Rambutan- an Asian well liked fruits.

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  19. I love castor beans...mom always had them. And I had seeds to plant this year and totally forgot them! This is a beautiful shot.

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  20. I never knew the name of this plant I saw at the Arboretum last Sunday. Thanks!

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  21. Interesting how it looks so intriguing, yet it's poisonous.

    paz

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  22. Thisflaming red is so beautiful. We have a burgundy red one. Is this where castor oil comes from?

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  23. What an interesting structure, love the vibrant red.

    Darla

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  24. i like the first one.congrats
    http://graceolsson.com/blog/2010/09/someonelikeyou/

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