Castor bean plant

Castor bean plant



Botanical Name	Ricinus communis Linn.
Common Name	*Castor bean plant, Erand* (Hindi), Amanakku (Tamil), Erandah (Sanskrit)**
Distribution	Throughout India
Religious association	The Swayambu lingam at Koteeswarar Temple at Tirukottaiyur is said to have appeared under this plant.
Uses	The use of castor seed oil in India has been documented since 2000 BC for use in lamps and in local medicine as a laxative. It is also used in the manufacture of soaps, lubricants, paints and varnishes.