The castor bean plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis, is a flowering plant native to Africa and the Middle East. It is characterized by its large, palmate leaves and spiky seed pods, which contain seeds that are the source of castor oil. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and thrives in warm climates. Despite its usefulness, the seeds of the castor bean plant contain ricin, a highly toxic compound. This toxicity makes the seeds dangerous if ingested, but the oil extracted from the seeds is safe for use and has various applications, including in cosmetics and as a laxative.