Question

Ricinus communis, which yields castor oil belongs to the family of
A) Meliaceae
B) Pedaliaceae
C) Cruciferae
D) Euphorbiaceae

Answer 1

Hint:The common name of Ricinus communis is castor and is a perennial flowering plant. The plant is used to yield castor oil and it also has antimicrobial activity and also has been used to treat liver disorders.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse the options and find the correct answer.
Option A: Meliaceae is a flowering plant family (mostly trees and shrubs) well known as mahogany family.Various species of this family is used for vegetable oil, insecticides, and highly prized wood. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B :Pedaliaceae is a flowering plant family which is characterized by having mucilaginous hairs, which often give the stems and leaves a slimy or clammy feel, and often have fruits with hooks or horns. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C: Cruciferae is also known as Brassicaceae. It is a medium-sized and economically important family of flowering plants commonly known for the cabbage or mustard family. Most cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate and vitamin K. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D: Euphorbiaceae are a large family, the spurge family, of flowering plants. Ricinus communis (caster oil plant) is a lower classification of Euphorbiaceae which is a soft wooden small tree developed throughout tropics and warm temperature regions.Castor seed is the source of castor oil, which has a wide variety of uses. The seeds contain between 40% and 60% oil that is rich in triglycerides, mainly ricinolein.Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Thus , the correct answer is option (D) Euphorbiaceae

Note:Ricinus communis is classified as the most poisonous plant on earth for humans. The toxicity of raw castor beans is due to the presence of ricin, a naturally occurring lectin.