Biohazard In Kruger National Park Castor Oil Plant | Ricinus communis
Ricinus communis is a tropical east and north eastern Africa annual shrub, up to four metres high. It has large umbrella- like leaves with five to nine pointed finger- like lobes, carried on reddish stalks up to 150mm long. It falls under the category two plants of the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA).
Plants from this category are allowed only in demarcated areas under controlled conditions and are also prohibited within 30m of the 1:50 year floodline of water bodies unless authorisation is obtained. They must be controlled or eradicated outside demarcated areas.The invasion by castor oil plant displaces indigenous plants and animals, reduces the productive potential of the land and impacts on biodiversity. It was brought to South Africa for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Castor oil plant has been recorded inside and outside Kruger National Park as well as in other areas in the lowveld. The control of castor oil plant is limited to herbicide control only. The whole plant is highly poisonous, seeds are highly toxic and lethal. Should you have castor oil plant in your area, contact the Invasive Species Control Unit/ Working for Water KNP for further investigation and clearing assistance on 013 735 4114/ 4376
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