Botanical Model – Brendel Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)
A striking botanical model of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), also known as the castor oil plant. This piece is a reproduction of the famous Brendel models from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, originally created for use in academic and secondary education.
The model highlights the plant’s essential botanical features: the large palmate leaves, the characteristic stem structure and the distinctive spiny seed capsules. As with the original Brendel models, special care has been taken to combine scientific accuracy with aesthetic presentation.
The historic Brendel workshop in Berlin produced its models entirely by hand using materials such as papier-mâché, wood and plaster. They became renowned for their unique balance between artistry and educational clarity. This reproduction faithfully continues that tradition and conveys the same fascination with the botanical world as the originals.
Details
Botanical: Ricinus communis (castor bean plant)
After: Brendel, Berlin, c. 1900
Material: handcrafted reproduction in mixed media
Use: teaching model, collector’s piece or decorative object
Special feature: displays the characteristic foliage and toxic seeds in fine detail
Height: appr. 35 cm