Known As: Castorbean, Castor Oil Plant
Latin Name: Ricinus communis
Description: Robust shrub with reddish to purple stems
reaching up to 15 feet in height. Large, glossy, red or bronze-tinted,
umbrella-shaped leaves from 4 to 30 inches across with 5-9 pointed, fingerlike
lobes. The long purple leaf stems are attached near the center of
the leaf blades. Greenish-white or reddish-brown flowers are produced
in narrow, upright clusters. The fruit is a three-lobed, green or red capsule
with a soft, spiny exterior. Contains 1 to 3 seeds which are oval, light
brown and mottled or streaked with light and dark brown so that they resemble
a pinto bean.
Poisonous Parts: Seeds and foliage. Ricin, a water soluble
protein, is concentrated in the seed. Also present are ricinine,
an alkaloid, and an irritant oil.
Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, swelling around the
mouth, difficulty in breathing, convulsions, increased heart rate.
Can be FATAL. Signs may not manifest until
18-24 hours after ingestion. Early signs include depression and a
mild increase in temperature.
Treatment: Unless your cat is unconscious or having convulsions,
induce vomiting. Get
immediate veterinary assistance.