AUD
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor bean plant—Ricinus communis. But where does this plant originate, and can it be found in Australia? Let's take a closer look.
The Ricinus communis: Origin and Spread
The castor oil plant is native to East Africa but has since become widespread across tropical and subtropical regions globally—including parts of Australia :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Does Australia Grow Castor Bean Plants?
Yes. Although Australia does not cultivate castor beans commercially, the plant grows as a wild weed in several areas with warm climates—such as Queensland, northern NSW, the NT, and WA :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Leading Castor Oil Producers Worldwide
Australia isn’t a major producer. Most global production comes from:
- India: Produces roughly 90% of the world’s castor seeds :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Mozambique and Brazil: Also significant producers, alongside countries like China and Thailand :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Interesting Facts
- The plant features striking palmate leaves and spiky flower clusters :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Its seeds are highly toxic if ingested—keep them safely away from pets and children :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
So, while castor bean plants do occur in Australia, most castor oil is imported—especially from major producers like India.
At The Castor Oil Company, our castor oil is thoughtfully sourced from India, the top global producer. While we support increased local cultivation, Australia is currently not a major castor bean supplier.