Argemone
mexicana (Mexican Prickly Poppy, Chicalote, Devil's
Fig, Thistle Poppy)
Argemone Mexicana (Prickly Poppy) is fast growing,
very ornamental and covered with prickles. Prickly poppy
is easily grown from scattered seed. Blooms entire summer.
Mexican Prickly Poppy is from the Papaveraceae
family and is native to mexico. Argemone mexicana has
many medicinal uses: It has been used as an anesthetic
for surgery; It has been used to treat cancer, the common
cold, fever, inflammation, and toothache. This poppies
chemical constituents include protopine, berberine,
and several isoquinilines. It has been ritualistically
used as a smudging herb.
