The Castor Oil Plant is a long-lived perennial shrub with the botanical name Ricinus communis which in suitable conditions can grow to the size of a small tree. It has large glossy leaves that grow on long-stalks and may develop up to 45 centimeters in size.

The greenish immature fruits that grow on its stalks are in the form of spiny capsules that contain highly poisonous bean-like seeds, from which highly toxic castor oil can be extracted which is used in toiletries, cosmetics and as biodiesel.