For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.
Showing posts with label Papaveraceae Argemone ochroleuce Mexican Poppy wild identification. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Papaveraceae Argemone ochroleuce Mexican Poppy wild identification. Show all posts

Saturday, December 31, 2011

White Mexican Poppy (Argemone ochroleuce)

White Mexican Poppy (Argemone ochroleuce) family Papaveraceae

A cosmopolitan weed native to Mexico, it is a blue-green spiny plant growing up to 1m (3’) in height.

It is found in all soil types and helps to keep erosion at bay.

Plants contain a milky latex and toxic alkaloids which make them unpalatable to animals.

When the plant or leaves are crushed, it exudes a bad odour but certain butterflies find it useful for nectar gathering.