There are a few different names for the castor oil plant, which is a shrub grown for its seeds that are rich in oil. One of the most common synonyms is Ricinus communis, which is the scientific name of the plant. Another name for the castor oil plant is palma Christi, which means "hand of Christ" in Latin and refers to the shape of the plant's leaves. In some regions, the plant is also called "castor bean" or "mole bean" due to its resemblance to beans and its use in mole repellents. Regardless of what it's called, the castor oil plant has a variety of uses and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a lubricant and ingredient in cosmetic products.