Castor Oil Plant

• Common Name: Castor Oil Plant
• Latin Name: Ricinus communis
• Family Name: Euphorbiaceae

The seeds of the Castor Oil Plant are extremely toxic, as they contain the deadly poison ricin,  one of the most potent toxins in the natural world.  Even small quantities of ricin in the bloodstream or inhaled can prove fatal to all animals, so avoid planting this anywhere near the tortoise enclosure.

Some varieties of this highly toxic plant have green leaves, and in other varieties the young leaves are dark reddish purple or bronze, gradually changing to a dark green as they mature.  

Do not confuse with False Castor Oil Plant (Fatsia Japonica), which is a different plant.