| Argemone ochroleuca | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Argemone |
| Species: |
A. ochroleuca
|
| Binomial name | |
| Argemone ochroleuca Sweet | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Argemone ochroleuca is a species of prickly poppy, a flowering plant commonly known as pale Mexican prickly poppyorMexican poppy. It is native to Mexico and is also an introduced weed in many temperate and tropical regions of the world.[1] It can grow up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in height and has a sticky yellow sap.
It can be found as an introduced species in Western Australia,[2] New Zealand,[3] the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, the Indian subcontinent,[4] South Africa,[5] and Arizona in the southwestern United States.[1][6] It has become invasive in Australia, Africa, tropical Asia, New Zealand and a number of oceanic islands. Since Argemone ochroleuca produces a large number of seeds, it can accidentally be introduced into new areas as a seed contaminant. It is often a problem in agricultural land, but also has the potential to outcompete native species and decrease biodiversity. It is also toxic to humans and livestock.[7]
