Which plant is this? And is its fruit poisonous?

Answer

Dear Carine,

This is a Wonderboom (Ricinus communis L.), a fast-growing tree originally from Africa. Like many members of the spurge family, it is indeed highly poisonous, especially the seeds or castor beans. Castor oil is extracted from these seeds, which is valued for its medicinal properties. In floriculture there are a number of smaller forms that have become naturalized in the areas around the Mediterranean.