Ricinus communis
Castor bean plants were introduced from Africa to South America, the Caribbean, and the Carolinas during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans and their descendants commonly used castor oil as a laxative and as a general tonic for treating illnesses. The oil has also been applied externally to ease inflammation due to arthritis and rheumatism.
Caution: Seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic substance that is lethal to humans and animals.
Explore More
Fish Pepper
Capsicum annuum ‘Fish Pepper’
African Bird’s-eye pepper
Capsicum frutescens ‘African Bird’s Eye’
Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus