ricinus communis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * A tall, fast-growing tropical shrub (Ricinus communis), also known as the castor bean plant or castor oil plant. It is characterized by its large, star-shaped (palmate) leaves, spiny seed capsules, and seeds which are the source of castor oil and the highly toxic protein ricin. It is widely cultivated and has become naturalized in tropical regions worldwide.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Ricinus communis is cultivated commercially for castor oil.
- The large, glossy leaves of Ricinus communis make it a striking ornamental plant in gardens.
- All parts of the Ricinus communis plant are poisonous, especially the seeds.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical and agricultural contexts: The scientific name is used to specify the species precisely, distinguishing it from common names which can be ambiguous.
- The study focused on the drought resistance of Ricinus communis.
- In toxicology and security contexts: The plant is often referenced as the source of the lethal toxin ricin.
- The ricin was derived from seeds of Ricinus communis.
Variants and Related Words
- Castor bean plant (n): The most common common name for .
- Castor oil plant (n): Another common name, emphasizing its economic product.
- Ricinus (n): The genus name, sometimes used informally to refer to the plant.
Synonyms
- Castor bean plant
- Castor oil plant
- Palma Christi (an older common name)
Related Phrases
- Castor bean: Refers specifically to the seed of the plant.
- The castor bean is processed to produce castor oil.
- Castor oil: The pale yellow vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of .
- Castor oil has various industrial and medicinal uses.
Noun
- 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