Yellow flowered Mexican poppy, Argemone mexicana
This species of poppy is found in Mexico and is a category 1b Invasive Alien Plant in South Africa. It is an extremely hardy pioneer plant, is tolerant of drought and poor soil and is prolific in disturbed sites competing with indigenous species.
The Yellow flowered Mexican poppy is an annual herb, growing up to 150 cm tall. The prickly, pale bluish-green stem is erect and branched, and exudes an unpleasant-smelling yellow sap when cut. Leaves are alternate, deeply lobed with irregularly toothed, spiny margins; greyish-white veins are conspicuous on the bluish-green upper surface of the leaves.
The fruit is a spiny capsule, 2.5-5 cm long and 2 cm wide, with 4-6 valves opening at the tip to release numerous seeds. The seeds are brownish-black, about 1 mm in diameter and contain a pale yellow oil called argemone or katkar oil which is considered toxic and hazardous to humans and animals.
The yellow to pale orange flowers are solitary, 2.5-4.5 cm in diameter with 4-6 petals.
To eradicate this plant: Plants should be removed before they produce seeds by hand pulling.
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