Despite its somewhat rough and wild appearance, the papaver argemone mexican It is a plant that attracts attention for its beautiful flowers. It is also known as holy thistle, and has other nicknames such as chicalote, Mexican poppy or Mexican yellow poppy.
Mexico is the place of origin of many chicalotes, most of them weeds, and this variety is one of the most successful. Due to its great ability to spread, in many cases it is considered annoying.
Origin and habitat of the papaver argemone mexicana
Holy thistle is considered native to the Caribbean, including regions of Central America and the Yucatan and Florida peninsulas. In the case of Mexico, its presence is common in practically all States, where it usually grows wild on the edges of roads, between crops, and also in the gardens.
It is a plant that prefers warm climates, but has a good capacity for adaptation, which is why it has been expanding throughout the world. If you can find dry, well-drained soil, that's where it will establish itself.
What is the Mexican papaver argemone like?
This species belongs to the Papaveraceae family, which includes the popular poppy. It is a thorny herbaceous variety, with showy yellow flowers which can range from paler to brighter tones.
It is considered weed vegetation, because it grows wildly associated with crops, but also as a ruderal plant, occupying habitats disturbed by human action.. Hence it usually grows on the edges of roads.
As a chicalote that it is, this variety enhances the activity of pollinating insects, and this favors its propagation, since each plant can produce about 400 seeds. Seeds that, in addition, They can remain dormant for several years.
To know if we are dealing with a Mexican argemone or another variety of chicalote, just pay attention to these elements:
- Stem. This variety has erect, thin stems that can grow between 30 and 60 centimeters. They are generally smooth and show a light green color.
- Leaves. It has alternate leaves divided into lobed or pinnate segments, and its edges may be slightly toothed. Although they are not thorns, these edges can be sharp. The color of the leaves can vary depending on the conditions to which the plant is exposed, going from light green to a more bluish green.
- Flowers. The flowers are the most showy thing about the Mexican papaver argemone. They are composed of three sepals with elongated horns and a double corolla. They are large, measuring between five and eight centimeters, and are very attractive due to their yellow color, with a center of dark-colored anthers. They are solitary flowers that appear at the top of the stems.
- Fruits and seeds. Holy thistle blooms between spring and summer and, after flowering, produces oval-shaped seed capsules. Inside them are hundreds of tiny dark-colored seeds.
Uses of the Mexican papaver argemone
This plant has some significant uses in its place of origin. Among them we can highlight:
Traditional medicine
This plant has been traditionally used by indigenous cultures as a medicinal plant. Used to treat different types of ailments such as respiratory problems, headaches and nervous system disorders.
However, these types of uses are not supported by solid scientific evidence on their effectiveness, so moderation is recommended when using this plant for medicinal purposes.
Ornamental gardening
Despite being considered a weed, this variety also has important value as an ornamental plant. Since it manages to add color and visual interest to the cottage style gardens, flower borders and wild landscapes.
Pollinator attraction
Its striking flowers are irresistible to pollinators. During the flowering season, It is common to see the Mexican papaver argemone around to butterflies and bees, which helps promote biodiversity.
The Mexican argemone is a toxic plant
Something that is important to be clear about is that we are dealing with a plant that contains alkaloids and other chemical compounds that can become toxic if ingested in large quantities. Nevertheless, This variety is not as toxic as other poppy species.
The alkaloid compounds that are present in this plant, may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and, in the most severe cases, seizures and breathing problems.
Therefore, it is recommended to always handle it with care and avoid ingestion. Hence, specialists have issued warning messages regarding its use for medicinal purposes.
Precisely because it is rich in alkaloid compounds such as protopine and cryptopine, The Mexican papaver argemone has been the object of study in the field of scientific research. In order to know more about it to be able to use it in the preparation of bioactive compounds with pharmacological applications. But more studies are still necessary to determine whether or not it is appropriate to use it in the field of modern medicine.
Is it an invasive plant?
This variety is not classified as an invasive plant to the same extent that other poppy species are, but it can behave as a weed in certain areas. This is because it has the ability to quickly disperse its seeds. and colonize open areas.
Hence, in its place of origin it is common to see it in agricultural environments, vacant lands and areas where it can compete with other native species for resources such as light, water and soil nutrients. That's why, When it appears in crop fields, it is usual to try to eliminate its presence at all costs.
In regions where Mexican papaver argemone is not native, it can be considered an invasive plant, because can pose tough competition for native vegetation and reduce its growth.
What is recommended is to monitor and control the spread of this variety in those areas where it may become a threat to biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Outside of there, the ideal is for it to grow wild.
What do you think of the Mexican papaver argemone, did you know this curious plant?