Κουρτουνιά, Κροτωνιά, Κρουτουνιά, Ρίκινος ο κοινός
Etymology of Ricinus communis: The name of the genus, "Ricinus", is Latin and it means "tick", which refers to its seed that is shaped like a tick. Latin "communis" means "common", as it is the common -one and only- Ricinus species.
It is a non-endemic, naturalized invasive plant that exists all around Cyprus except for the Karpasia region, encountered at an altitude of up to 150 metres only. It primarily grows in dry riverbeds, waterways, and disturbed sites. Its flowering period is between March and September.
Castor oil used to be produced from this plant in Cyprus in past centuries.
