plant identification

What is this please?


Drought Smart Plants reply:

This is the Castor Bean plant, Ricinus communis. Odd looking flowers aren't they? These will turn into large pods containing the rounded patterned seeds. Please be aware that all parts of this plant and its seeds are highly poisonous! and in some cases can also cause allergic reactions on contact with the plant. Children are attracted to the shiny seeds, so if you have small children around it's best to cut off the pods before they form.

Used as an ornamental plant and the source of Castor Oil (thankfully, not used any more) for it's medicinal properties, this plant has the leaves that can reach almost a meter across, which can be useful in making hypertufa leaves if you're so inclined.

Happy (and Safe) Gardening,
Jacki