The word "ricinus" refers to the castor oil plant, which is a perennial flowering plant that is native to Africa and India. There are several synonyms for the word ricinus, including Palma Christi (meaning "hand of Christ" in Latin), castor bean plant, castor bean tree, castor-oil-plant, and mole bean. The plant is known for its large, glossy green leaves and spiky fruit capsules, which contain the seeds that are used to produce castor oil. The rich source of ricinoleic acid in castor oil makes it a valuable ingredient in various products, including cosmetics, soaps, and lubricants. Despite its many uses, it is important to handle the plant with care as its seeds contain a highly toxic compound called ricin.