488 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 



a forked style and six stigmatic branches. The fruit is three-celled, 

 each cell containing one seed, which is somewhat flattened, oval-oblong, 

 mottled with black, brown, and grey. They are natives of Tropical 

 Regions. 



History. Ricinus is of particular interest on account of its seeds 



being the raw material from which the delectable Castor- 

 oil is expressed. For this purpose the plant is largely cultivated in 

 India, whence most of our Castor-oil is obtained. The plant was intro- 

 duced from the East Indies in 1548 ; and is now largely used in Sub- 

 tropical gardening, or in situations where rapid summer growth and 

 handsome foliage are desirable. Several varieties have been introduced 

 at subsequent dates as distinct species, but there is little doubt— in most 

 cases no doubt whatever— that these are all forms of Ricinus communis. 

 Species. Ricinus communis (common). Castor-oil Plant, or 



Palma Christi. Stem 4 to 6 feet high in thJs country, taller 

 elsewhere. Leaves large, handsome, palmately-lobed ; leaf -stalk in the 

 middle (peltate), lobes toothed. Flowers green, the males appearing 

 yellow on account of the profuse anthers ; July to October. There are 

 several varieties, among them the var. major with hollow, glaucous stems 

 6 to 8 feet high, and tinged with purple ; the leaves acutely lobed. The 

 var. minor is similar, but only half the height and with smaller leaves. 

 Var. sanguineus has brownish red stems, leaf-stalks, and perianths. 

 The var. Gibsonii has the leaves of a bronzy purple hue. 

 Cultivation. Ricinus will grow well in any well-manured soil. 



They are propagated by means of seeds, which should be 

 sown m heat in March. Only one seed should be sown in each pot, 

 which should then be placed in the hot-bed. The young plants must be 

 kept under glass and well-watered to encourage free growth, and at the 

 end of May or beginning of June, according to the season, gradually 

 Hardened by the admission of more air until they can be safely planted 

 out permanently. It will be found advisable to give at least one shift 

 into larger pots whilst still inside. By the system of growing singly in 

 pots It will be found that they suffer no check on being planted out, 

 but will grow rapidly. They may also be sown outside in a warm 

 sunny spot about May, but will not attain any great size before the frosts 

 cut them down. Any rough place in the garden may be beautified by 

 planting a clump of Ricinus, putting in the young plants about two feet 

 apart. They also look well at the back of a sunny shrubbery border. 

 ^^mi'Ss*'^ i^icmws communis, the Castor -oil Plant; upper 



• portion of stem, and flowers. The words " Natural size " 

 refer to the flower-spike to the right of the plate; the leaves are much 



