code: 738
The large, showy flowers can vary from pale peach to yellow
Family: Papaveraceae
Common name: Mexican Poppy, Devil’s Fig, Golden Thistle of Peru, Biniguy Thistle, Mexican Prickle Poppy
Plant Classification: Half hardy annual
Minimum Height: 60 cm
Maximum Height: 1.2 meters
Leafy stems grow most attractively variegated, prickly lobed leaves. The large, showy flowers can vary from pale peach to yellow, and have a dark red 3 to 6 lobed stigma. Coming from Mexico, this lovely annual flower can survive, and indeed thrive, in the hottest conditions.
Sowing advice:
For best results, seeds are best sown directly into the ground where required in the late spring. Alternatively, sow in late winter/early spring in gentle warmth, 15-20 degrees C. Prick out into small 3″ pots and plant in final position when the plants are established. Does best in a hot dry spot!
Habitat:
Argemone ochroleuca is commonly found as a weed of roadsides, mining dumps, rabbit warrens, recently cultivated paddocks, degraded land, and over-grazed pastures. It often occurs as dense stands in sandy stream beds and alluvialflats associated with intermittent inland streams.
Reproduction and dispersal
This species reproduces by seed. Most seeds fall around the parent plant but some are dispersed by water, mud adhering to boots and farming machinery and livestock. The seeds can also be dispersed by birds. This species can be spread as a contaminant of crop grains/seeds.
