Ricinus n. (Bot.) A genus of plants of the Spurge family, containing but one species (Ricinus communis), the castor-oil plant. The fruit is three-celled, and contains three large seeds from which castor oil is expressed. See Palma Christi.
... 258. RICINUS communis. PALMA CHRISTI. Seeds and Oil. L. E. D.—The oil, commonly called nut or castor oil, is got by expression, retains somewhat of the mawkishness and acrimony of the nut; but is, in general, a safe and mild laxative in cases where we wish to avoid irritation, as in those of colic, ... — The Botanist's Companion, Vol. II • William Salisbury
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