Ricinus Communis, Castor Oil Plant, Arandi - 0.5 kg Seeds

Castor or Arandi (Ricinus communis) is a fast-growing, large-leaved shrub or short-lived small tree, often with striking bronze-red foliage and stems and spiny seed capsules holding the glossy, mottled castor beans. It establishes quickly even on poor, dry ground.

Cultivated throughout India as a major oilseed crop, it yields castor oil used medicinally, industrially and as a lubricant; the bold foliage also makes it a dramatic ornamental, and the plant is grown as a windbreak and on field bunds. Note that the raw seeds contain ricin and are toxic if eaten, so handle and store them with care, away from children.

• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Native region: tropical east Africa, naturalised across India
• Mature height: 2-5 m
• Growth rate: very fast

Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, or lightly nick the hard coat, to speed germination. Sow about 2-3 cm deep directly where they are to grow, or in deep pots, in warm soil; seedlings emerge in roughly 14-21 days. They grow rapidly thereafter and need little care, so thin or transplant promptly to the final spacing in full sun.