Argemone mexicana (Mexican Poppy)

Native from central Mexico to Honduras and also to Haiti, this prickly annual herb usually grows about 1 to 3 feet tall. Its blue-green leaves have pale markings along the veins, and the stems contain yellow latex. Solitary pale to bright yellow flowers have six broad petals and numerous stamens. Prickly capsules release many small, dark seeds. In tropical climates, it can flower and fruit throughout the year. Bees collect pollen from its flowers. The seeds are poisonous. It has naturalized widely, including in Queensland, Australia, where it grows as a weed. Photographed in Tubará, Colombia.