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Ricinus communis (tree, shrub)    |
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General Impact
Castor bean displaces native plant species in riparian areas and drainages. Its seeds are among the first to germinate following fire. Plants colonize disturbed areas, and they grow rapidly, shading out native seeds and seedlings and producing monospecific stands in areas with previously healthy native vegetation. Humans and horses are especially vulnerable to R. communis seeds if they are chewed on when ingested. Fatal doses are from 2.5 to 6 seeds for humans and about 6 seeds for horses (CISR 1972). Symptoms are stomach irritation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, profuse sweating, collapse, and convulsions. Broken seeds can cause skin irritation. The foliage is only slightly toxic. Seeds that are ingested but not chewed will likely pass through the body harmlessly (Cal-IPC, UNDATED; and Francis, UNDATED).
No Impact information recorded for Ricinus communis
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