This member of the poppy family, Papaveraceae, is bearing bowl-shaped flowers on the Systematic Beds.
The genus Argemone numbers 28 species of annuals, perennials and shrubs which occur naturally in the United States, Central America and the West Indies. All bear papery flowers and exude a yellow or orange latex, or sap, from the stems when damaged. This species, Argemone platyceras, has pure white, poppy-like flowers to 10cm across, and has a distinct central boss of golden stamens. The foliage is blue-green in colour, is deeply lobed and has white veining. Much of the plant is covered in spines, including the ovoid seed capsule, and this gives rise to the common names, prickly, or hedgehog, poppy. This is a half hardy annual species from the southern United States and central and northern South America.