Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)

Castor (Ricinus communis L. 2n=20Euphorbiaceae family) is one of the most ancient non-edible medicinal and industrial oilseed crops of the country. Castor is indigenous to Eastern Africa and most probably originated in Ethiopia. The castor bean plant has been cultivated for centuries for oil produced by its seeds. The Egyptians burned castor oil in their lamps more than 4000 years ago. By virtue of its hardiness it plays an important role in the agricultural economy of India by earning substantial foreign exchange. It has the ability to grow under drought and saline conditions and is most suitable for dryland farming.