Ricinus communis New Zealand Purple seeds - Castor Bean

The Ricinus communis ‘New Zealand Purple’, sometimes sold as ‘New Zealand Black’, is an extraordinarily ornamental plant due to its large palmate leaves of an intense dark violet, almost black. Native to tropical regions, this common castor plant captivates gardeners worldwide with its exotic appearance, its rapid growth and its stately presence in borders or on terraces. Not frost-hardy, this plant is cultivated as an annual in our temperate climates. Sowing is done in spring, under cover from March or in open ground after the frosts.

The Castor 'New Zealand Purple' belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Native to tropical Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, the type species Ricinus communis has become naturalised in many warm regions of the globe.
The cultivar 'New Zealand Purple' exhibits extremely rapid growth and an upright habit. In open ground, the plant reaches 1.50 to 2.50 m in height in a single season, or even up to 2.70 m under ideal conditions (rich soil, heat and abundant sun). Grown in a pot, its size is more modest, varying between 1.20 and 2 m depending on the soil volume and care provided. The highly decorative, palmate and deeply lobed leaves have 5 to 11 dentate lobes. They can reach up to 60 cm in diameter. Their colour varies from reddish-purple to deep purple, almost black, especially in full sun. The surface of the lamina is shiny, with metallic reflections enhancing the exotic effect of the foliage. The thick, hollow and sturdy stems display a dark red to purple colour matching the foliage. The summer flowering, between June and August takes the form of upright terminal clusters. At the base of each cluster are the male flowers, with clearly visible yellow stamens, while the female flowers, positioned higher up, have bright red pistils. Pollination is mainly carried out by the wind, but some insects may also participate.
The fruits are spherical capsules with 3 shells bristling with soft spines, measuring approximately 3 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They display a purple or dark red hue matching the rest of the plant. At ripeness, these capsules open to release mottled brown, red or black, shiny and oval seeds. These seeds contain up to 60% oil rich in ricinolein, used industrially.

WARNING: All parts of the plant are toxic, but the seeds are particularly dangerous due to their content of ricin, a very potent toxin. It is essential to handle this plant with care and keep it away from children and animals. Historically, the castor plant has been used since antiquity, notably by the Egyptians, for the extraction of its oil with purgative and cosmetic properties. Despite its toxicity, castor oil is used in various applications, from traditional medicine to the manufacture of lubricants and cosmetic products.

The Castor 'New Zealand Purple' does not go unnoticed with its spectacular foliage and imposing silhouette. Perfect for creating a tropical or contemporary atmosphere, it stands out as a structural plant, both in borders and as a standalone specimen or planted in a large pot on a sunny terrace. It is interesting for dressing the back of a border, concealing a wall or fence, or adding volume to a summer display. It pairs wonderfully with light or silvery foliage like that of artemisias, harmonises well with the warm tones of cannas, dark-leaved dahlias or daylilies. Its purplish foliage also creates a beautiful contrast with golden yellow or bright orange flowers or with lime green foliage like that of Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’. In an ornamental kitchen garden, it offers a beautiful verticality and highlights humble cabbages and other leeks.