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castor-oil plant

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castor-oil plant

Tall tropical and subtropical shrub belonging to the spurge family. The seeds, called ‘castor beans’ in North America, yield the purgative castor oil (which cleans out the bowels) and also ricin, one of the most powerful poisons known. Ricin can be used to destroy cancer cells, leaving normal cells untouched. (Ricinus communis, family Euphorbiaceae.)



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To which God replies, "You are upset about a castor-oil plant.
You can run but you can't hide by O'Heron, Edward J. / U.S. Catholic
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