Papaveraceae
Argemone mexicana
Mexican Prickly Poppy · Mbaruti
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This erect, spiny annual or biennial herb typically grows between 30 cm and 1 metre tall. It features grey-green leaves with prominent whitish veins and bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers. When cut, the plant exudes a yellow or orange sap, and it produces spiny, ellipsoid capsules containing numerous small black seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
This hardy annual thrives in full sun and poor to average, well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping or challenging, disturbed areas in Kilifi gardens. It is not tolerant of salt spray, so avoid direct coastal exposure, and consider spacing plants 30-45 cm apart.
Growing notes
This species is fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established, requiring low water. It resents transplanting, so direct sowing is recommended. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and its aggressive self-seeding nature means it can become weedy, requiring management to prevent unwanted spread.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: ncsu.edu, wikipedia.org, levypreserve.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, ascension.gov.ac, ufl.edu. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.