1. Large shrub of tropical Africa and Asia having large palmate leaves and spiny capsules containing seeds that are the source of castor oil and ricin; widely naturalized throughout the tropics
   "The castor-oil plant's huge leaves created a tropical effect in the garden";
   - castor bean plant, palma christi, palma christ, Ricinus communis

Derived forms: castor-oil plants

Type of: bush, shrub

Part of: genus Ricinus, Ricinus

Encyclopedia: Castor-oil plant