Question

Which one yields castor oil?
(a)Sesamum indicum
(b)Cocos nucifera
(c)Ricinus communis
(d)Brassica campestris

Answer 1

The plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is also called a castor oil plant and is only one species of its genus. The petals are absent in flowers but flowers may be green or red in color having spiny fruits that form a capsule.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Ricinus communis is the plant that yields castor oil. It is also known as castor bean. It is a perennial plant that belongs to the monotypic general Ricinus , as is found to be reproduced through the process of geitonogamy that favors selfing.
- Ricinus communis is said to have originated from the family of the spurge.
- The cross-pollination in this plant can be done with the help of insects (entomophily) and wind (anemophily).

- It produces a seed called castor bean, although it is not a bean.
- Castor is mostly produced in the areas including the Mediterranian region, India, and Africa.
- The castor seed constituents of various substances including oil which are around 40 - 60 % in the form of triglycerides (ricinolein).
- Its other important components include linoleates and oleates that are also triglycerides.
- The castor seeds a water-soluble toxin called ricin that is found to be present in a very small quantity in the whole of the plant.
- The castor oil is used in the manufacturing industries of various products that include soaps, dyes, paints, waxes, etc.

So, the correct answer is ‘(c)Ricinus communis ’.

Note: The name Ricinus is derived from the ancient Latin word that is used for ticks, the plant was so named due to its appearance like certain ticks having marks and bumps on its surface. The name castor oil was also derived from the animals called beaver as their perineal glands were used to obtain perfume called castoreum.