Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 1:1007 (1753).

Derivation: Latin name of this plant, because of the resemblance of the seed to ricinus, sheep tick.

Synonymy: Not Applicable

Common name: None

Description:
Shrubs or large tall herbs; leaves alternate, deeply palmately lobed; monoecious.

Flowers large, in terminal panicles, upper flowers male, lower female; perianth of 3-5 segments; male flowers with a membranous perianth and numerous stamens with filaments repeatedly branched; female flowers with a caducous membranous perianth and 3-celled ovary.

Seeds 3, with a terminal caruncle; cotyledons quite broad.

Distribution:  Monotypic, probably a native of Africa, now in tropical, subtropical and many temperate countries, wild or cultivated.

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available