Bermuda Thistle
Argemone mexicana L.
Argemone mexicana, known as Bermuda Thistle, is a species in the Papaveraceae family. Native to Mexico, it has spread to many regions worldwide. It is a hardy pioneer plant that thrives in dry and poor soil conditions. The plant contains bright yellow latex and is toxic to grazing animals. It has been used for medicinal purposes by various cultures, including indigenous peoples in the western United States, parts of Mexico, and India. In India, it is associated with the Holika Dahan festival during March, when it is in full bloom and offered as part of the celebrations. It is also known locally as 'Kanteli Ka Phul' and 'Satyanashi.'
Description
Argemone mexicana is a member of the Papaveraceae family and is widely naturalized in many parts of the world. It is a hardy plant that can grow in drought-prone and nutrient-poor environments, often appearing in disturbed areas such as road cuttings and verges. The plant is poisonous to grazing animals and is rarely consumed. It has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous peoples in its native range and beyond. The species is associated with the Holika Dahan festival in India, where it is offered during the Holi celebrations in March. It is also known by the local names 'Kanteli Ka Phul' and 'Satyanashi' in India.
Other common names
Bermuda ThistleMexican PoppyMexican Prickly PoppyMexican Prickly-PoppyMexican PricklypoppyMexican ThistleMexican-PoppyPrickly PoppyPrickly-PoppyThistleThorn PoppyYellow Prickly-PoppyYellow PricklypoppyYellow ThistleYellow-Flower Mexican-Poppy
Distribution
British Columbia · Manitoba · Ontario · Madeira · Portugal Continental · Bolívar, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Huila, Magdalena, Norte de Santander, Santander, Tolima, Valle del Cauca · BR · Subregiones: Enclaves subxerofíticos · Madeira Island · SFF Iguaque · TW · VU · ZA · SC · SA · EG · CU · YE · NP · Belgium · Walloon Region · CW · NU · WS · PW · AI · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain · BD
Synonyms
Papaver mexicanumArgemone albaArgemone alba var. leiocarpaArgemone leiocarpaArgemone leiocarpa var. mexicanoidesArgemone leiocarpa var. ochroleucoidesArgemone mexicana var. anacanthoideaArgemone mexicana f. leiocarpaArgemone mexicana var. luteaArgemone mexicana var. ochroleucaArgemone mexicana var. parvifloraArgemone mucronataArgemone sexvalvisArgemone spinosaArgemone spinosaArgemone versicolorEchtrus mexicanusEchtrus trivialisArgemone mexicana var. mexicanaArgemone vulgaris