Castor Oil Plant

Description:

A puny specimen compared to others I've seen. Castor Oil Plant is a perennial shrub often growing up to 3 m tall, but occasionally reaching up to 10 m in height. Considered a noxious weed in Queensland. The seeds of this species are extremely toxic to humans and livestock. I have always associated this species with derelict building sites and ugly infrastructure, which is exactly what I saw with this spotting. I've never seen one of these plants flower, so will keep an eye open over the next few weeks. Perhaps that might change my opinion of this species.

Habitat:

Found beneath a railway bridge which spans a storm water channel, adjacent to a shopping centre carpark. This channel does flood, and only a few weeks ago flooded the carpark area. Seeds are carried by a number of methods (in the case by water), and will grow anywhere they can gain a foothold. Obviously, in derelict areas, they remain undisturbed and can grow to a considerable size.

Notes:

A weed of creek banks, dry riverbeds, waterways, roadsides, railways, disturbed sites, pastures, gardens, neglected suburban areas and other waste areas in tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and sometimes also semi-arid environments. Noxious weed – BCC Class C Seeds highly toxic and can cause death if eaten.