Ricinus communis Impala Seeds - Flowering Currant

Ricinus communis Impala, or Castor Oil Plant, is a tall, shrubby herbaceous annual with large, very shiny, palmate leaves of a very dark, burgundy green colour that change throughout its development. The fruits it produces are red and covered with thorns, making them very decorative.

The imposing size of the Ricin Impala (up to 1,2 metres high) allows it to be placed at the back of beds. In fact, it has such a well-branched habit that it can almost be considered a small shrub. Its red stems are smooth and strong and bear large palmate leaves divided into pointy, toothed lobes. The colours of the leaves often change, making it a particular astonishing addition to the garden. They are of a very dark burgundy hue, veined with red and display hints of green, sometimes purple, brown or even black, depending on its exposure to the light and its maturity. This flamboyant range of colours forms a dark, but warm and lively backdrop. Flowering starts in August in the form of yellow clusters which then turn into capsule-shaped fruit of a brilliant red colour. They are round and completely covered with small thorns. They last until October and bring warm colours to the garden in the autumn. It is a perennial that is grown as an annual in our climates. It will therefore prefer sunny positions, sheltered from the wind, with rich, moist, well-drained soil. Don't hesitate to water it in case of drought and to amend the soil that will host the ricin plants. Planted in tubs, it will also require some fertilizer to ensure an exuberant growth.

Castor Oil Plant is cultivated for its very rich oil, extracted from its big seeds. It has medicinal uses and is used in homeopathy and cosmetology. In the past it was even used as fuel for oil lamps in ancient times. However, these same benefits make all parts of the plant toxic, especially the seeds, and can even cause irritations. So be sure to warn children to stay away from its tempting beautiful fruits and keep pets away.

Ricinus communis Impala can be used as a specimen plant thanks to its well-branched habit, its large, glossy, colourful leaves and its clusters of scarlet fruit. However, when planted in small groups, it also forms a great backdrop for summer beds with yellow-orange coloured perennials and ornamental grasses.