Prickly Poppy (Argemone mexicana) seeds

Prickly Poppy is a subtropical plant and originates from the Caribbean area. Nevertheless, in a moderate climate, it can be kept as an annual ornamental plant very well. The round, yellow blossoms and the conspicuously shaped leaves with thorns make it a very special sight in the summery flower bed.

Among the Aztecs, the Mexican prickly poppy used to be a versatilely used medicinal plant for infections. The root, as well as the latex, were used for the most diverse medicinal purposes as they are mildly narcotic, analgesic, and locally anesthetic.

The leaves can be burnt dry and an infusion prepared as tea helps against malaria. The plant is also known as an effective aphrodisiac. The largely produced seeds are, like with other poppy varieties, very oily but inedible and are recommended for industrial use, for example for the production of soap.