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Ricinus communis
The castor oil plant perhaps originated in Africa, but is now widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It can displace native plant species and I see this prolifically seeding plant all over open, cleared, disturbed land.
The seeds are poisonous if they are chewed and ingested. The foliage is only slightly toxic. Ricinin which can be extracted from the beans of castor oil is highly toxic and has been used in homicide.
R. communis has been listed as a noxious weed in the Australian states of New South Wales and the Northern Territories.
Ricinus communis is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus, "Ricinus", and subtribe, Ricininae. The evolution of castor and its relation to other species are currently being studied using modern genetic tools.
