For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

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.