Ricinus Carmencita Bright Red

This genus has but one species, Ricinus communis, but it has been cultivated for at least 6,000 years. Ancient Egyptians burned oil from the seed in lamps. Today the oil is widely sold for its laxative properties, and gardeners use the fast-growing plants as tropical flourishes to turn up the heat in tepid perennial borders. The variety "Carmencita Bright Red" has large maroon leaves, red stems, and spiky, 1in red seedpods. All parts of Castor Bean are toxic if eaten, and the foliage may affect skin allergies, so take care with children and pets. Perennial in Zones 9-10, where plants will grow much taller.