Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) is an introduced species historically cultivated for its oil which is used in food, medicine, industry and, some would argue, as a way of torturing children. Escaping from gardens, it can be seen in some waterways in the Flinders Ranges. Following floods, this stand south of Parachilna is growing up to 4 metres tall.
While flowers lack petals, female flowers have showy red stigmas and male flowers have numerous creamy yellow stamens. Flowering here in March.
