Euphorbiaceae The spurge family
Ricinus communis
Photos from the Kuiseb close to Gobabeb Found in: G & R Common names: English: Castor oil plant, wonder tree Nama/Damara: |kheras
Afrikaans:
Kasterolieboom, bloubottelboom
Distribution: Ricinus communis is probably indigenous to the southeastern Mediterranean region and Eastern Africa, but is today widespread throughout tropical regions, including the Namib. Identification: This invasive species in the Namib can reach a height of 2-4 m and has 7 radiating, pointed leaflets with slightly saw-like edges and prominent central veins. The flowers are green and not immediately obvious, but pink or red in pigmented varieties. Many stamens are close to the base and branching pistils are close to the top of the flower, which in the end give rise to soft-spined fruits. Ecology: Alien species. The origin of the Namibian populations of Ricinus communis is not certain, but it is believed to have come with Stone Age man from tropical Africa about 3000 years ago. Generally a perennial which is fast growing and found on disturbed places like roadsides, waste places and occasional together with perennial crops as sugar cane. Uses: The seeds of Ricinus communis contain the highly poisonous protein ricin and hence is very toxic. Ricin inhibits protein synthesis in cells, and is used as a biochemical reagent and in cancer research. However, ricin is not present in the oil and the seeds are therefore the source of castor oil, which has a wide variety of uses. It is used as a purgative, an emollient, in creams, ointments, clear soaps and lipstick. Castor bean production for oil is big in India, China and Brazil and the plant is also cultivated in northern Namibia. The Topnaar uses the boiled seeds to rub on to swollen cheeks in cases of toothache and mumps. The roasted and ground seeds are applied on burns and wounds. Furthermore, a warmed leaf is used as a poultice on wounds and skin diseases, also on painful knees or breasts and on the throat in cases of throat pains. References: van den Eyden V et al. (1992), Bromilow C (1995), van Wyk B-E and Gericke N (2000), Curtis B and Mannheimer C (2005) and Henschel J et al (2006) Photos by: Maja Sjรถskog