Argemone mexicana - 20170511_183825

Poppy! I love poppies, some might say that poppies even made the modern world possible. Members of the Papaveraceae family have helped people sleep and heal for centuries and have even been a reason for whole countries to be thrown into wars that last until today. Despite all of that, members of the Papaveraceae family are among my favourite flowers. I find them to just be, beautiful.

Last week I was walking along when I caught a glimpse of yellow, I walked across the street to inspect what I saw and was greeted by this beautiful little flower. the Argemone mexicana also is known as the Mexican Prickly Poppy or flowering thistle (though not a true thistle-like Cirsium nuttallii we featured on tuesday).

The Papaveraceae family is, like I mentioned, very important in this world. It includes nearly 800 species a huge number of which are ornamental plants and it includes the Papaver somniferum which is world renowned for its pain relieving alkaloids. The Argemone mexicana is a hardy and drought tolerant plant that has been exploring the southwestern north American continent since long before humans got here. Before the advent of modern science based medicine this plant was used to help relieve(to varying degrees) the symptoms of malaria and to help relieve the pain mothers experience after giving birth. You can find this little guy all over the place at the right time of year and though it is considered endemic in Florida, the Argemone mexicana has been invading the northeastern united states. It's all good in my opinion though, I think everyone should enjoy this beautiful flower.

Today's mission(number 4) should you choose to accept it, is to find Argemone mexicana (probably growing in a ditch near you) and post it in the comments below. We especially want to see the pistil filaments and anthers. Beware the leaves of the Argemone mexicana for they are sharp and not forgiving!

As always, the two original photos with the most likes at the end of the week will be featured here on Saturday and Sunday for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to check out @localbeautytampabay on Instagram, from time to time we will post our B-roll pictures for your enjoyment.

Don't forget to take more water than you think you will need on your flower hike!

XoXo

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Done