Definition

Noun: * A large, fast-growing tropical shrub (Ricinus communis) characterized by its large, star-shaped (palmate) leaves and spiny seed capsules. The seeds of this plant are the source of castor oil and the highly toxic protein ricin. It is widely cultivated and has become naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Examples of Usage

• The castor bean plant is easily identified by its distinctive, glossy red or green leaves.
• Farmers grow the castor bean plant primarily for the oil extracted from its seeds.
• Although beautiful, every part of the castor bean plant, especially the seeds, is poisonous if ingested.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in agricultural, botanical, and toxicological contexts.
• It can be referred to metonymically to represent the source of castor oil or ricin.
  • The ricin was traced back to a common castor bean plant grown in the suspect's garden.

Variants and Related Words

• Castor-oil plant: A common synonym.
• Palma Christi: An older, Latin-derived name meaning "Palm of Christ."
• Ricinus communis: The scientific (Latin) binomial name.
• Castor bean: Specifically refers to the seed of the plant, not the plant itself. CRITICAL NOTE: "Castor bean" is a related term for the seed, but it is a distinct noun phrase from the target term "castor bean plant."

Synonyms

• Castor-oil plant
• Palma Christi

Related Phrases/Idioms

• No common idioms directly incorporate "castor bean plant." The plant is typically referenced literally for its botanical, commercial, or toxic properties.

Noun

1. large shrub of tropical Africa and Asia having large palmate leaves and spiny capsules containing seeds that are the source of castor oil and ricin; widely naturalized throughout the tropics