Castor bean plant
In Religion and Mythology
The Swayambu lingam at Koteeswarar Temple
The Swayambu lingam at Koteeswarar Temple at Tirukottaiyur is said to have appeared under this plant. The use of castor seed oil in India has been documented since 2000 BC for use in lamps and in local medicine as a laxative.
It is also used in the manufacture of soaps, lubricants, paints and varnishes.
Botanical Name: Ricinus communis Linn.
Common Name: Castor bean plant, Erand (Hindi), Amanakku (Tamil), Erandah (Sanskrit)
Distribution: Throughout India