INTRODUCTION

This plant grows in relatively warm northern regions of Chile. It has beautiful big white flowers, which, when open, can reach 6 - 7 cm. in diameter. This plant being annual does not have restrictions as to the coldness of the zone where it can grow, all it needs is about 5 - 6 months of relatively warm weather (a maximum of +20º C is more than sufficient). It is quite prolific in terms of seeds, so that you would not have any troubles obtaining seeds for the next season. The only disadvantage is that it has thorns on the leaves, flower buds, and fruits, which may discourage a closer contact.

Image of Argemone hunnemannii

III Region, Carrizal Bajo - Totoralillo, Chile
Altitude: 100-160 m. 09 18, 2006

DESCRIPTION

Plant type: Annual

Flower: White, 6 petals

Height: 1.5 m.

Image of Argemone hunnemannii

III Region, Carrizal Bajo - Totoralillo, Chile
Altitude: 100-160 m. 09 18, 2006

HABITAT

In Chile this species grows in the following environmental conditions:

Habitat according to altitude:

Medium altitude up to the timber line
Low altitude, interior valleys
Coastal mountains, 500 - 2000 m.
Coastal areas, 0 - 500 m

Watering conditions:

Humid areas, with almost constant rainfall. Short dry periods are possible (generally not longer than 1 month).
Somewhat dry areas where the drought may last 3 - 5 months. Precipitations of 400 - 800 mm. are concentrated in winter.
Dry, arid areas, with long drought periods of 6 - 10 months. Precipitations of 100 mm - 300 mm. are concentrated in winter.

Light conditions:

Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.

Image of Argemone hunnemannii

III Region, Carrizal Bajo - Totoralillo, Chile
Altitude: 100-160 m. 09 18, 2006

USES

Excellent ornamental value (A +)

Useful properties:

Medicinal
POISONOUS Plant

Image of Argemone hunnemannii

III Region, Carrizal Bajo - Totoralillo, Chile
Altitude: 100-160 m. 09 18, 2006

GROWING TIPS

This species has the following hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zone 9. The plant does not tolerate snow, but can tolerate occasional freezing spells of about - 5° C (the typical morning frost of central Chile).

Very easy to cultivate

The seeds of this plant germinate easily, so that you can sow them directly into the ground. It does not need complicated soil mixtures - provide good drainage and very little organic matter and you will be fine. Maintain the seeds wet at all times until they emerge, then reduce watering to a minimum. Expose to sun.

If you are interested in purchasing seeds of this or similar species, please go to our On-line Seeds Shop.

More photos (6) of Argemone hunnemannii Otto & Dietr. available here

More species from the same Papaveraceae family in our data base:

Argemone hunnemannii (Cardo Santo)

Argemone subfusiformis

Eschscholzia californica (Dedal de oro / Copa de oro)

Papaver somniferum (Amapola / Adormidera)

Papaver sp. #1121

Papaver sp. #1448