What is the name of the plant that contains ricin, which is highly poisonous?

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Prepare for the UCF BOT4850 Medical Botany Exam. Study with diverse question types and detailed explanations. Master key concepts and excel in your exam!

The plant that contains ricin, which is a highly toxic compound, is the castor bean. Ricin is derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis. The seeds of this plant contain about 5% ricin by weight, making it one of the most dangerous naturally occurring toxins. Exposure to ricin can lead to severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and possibly death, depending on the amount ingested or inhaled.

Understanding the implications of ricin's toxicity is crucial in recognizing the risks associated with castor beans. While plants like the rosary pea also contain potentially dangerous compounds, they are not related to ricin. Evening primrose and chaulomoogra do not produce ricin and are instead valued for different medicinal properties. This distinction highlights the importance of being aware of the specific harmful effects associated with particular plants. In summary, the castor bean is recognized for its significant and dangerous toxicity through the presence of ricin.