ARGEMONE 
of the ripe seed-vessel, dehiscing, and showing the rounded seeds within; 
4, a seed enlarged; 5, a seedling. 
Platystemon (Greek, platus, broad, and stemon, a stamen) is an 
allied genus of Papaveracese, containing but one species, a hairy annual 
spreading plant with lance-shaped entire leaves, arranged in threes, and 
solitary, stalked, yellow flowers. There are three sepals, six petals, 
numerous stamens with dilated filaments (whence the generic name), 
and many carpels, at first partially connected, but separating as they 
mature. Flowering in July and August. 
Platystemon californicus, the Californian Poppy, is the only 
species; a hardy annual, 1 foot high, with yellow flowers, and hairy 
capsules and leaves. There is a variety leiocarpus, from Siberia, which 
has yellowish-white flowers and smooth capsules, and which is frequently 
accorded specific rank. 
The remarks respecting the cultivation of the annual Poppies apply 
equally to Platystemon. 
ARGEMONE 
Natural Order Papaveracese. Genus Argemone 
Argemone (argema, cataract of the eye). A genus consisting of half 
a dozen annual glaucous herbs with yellow juice. Leaves pinnatifid, the 
lobes usually with spiny teeth. The flowers are similar to those of 
Papaver, with two or three concave sepals, each ending in a hard point; 
petals, four to eight; stamens numerous; stigmas, four to seven, radiating. 
The seed-vessels are oval capsules, opening at the top by little valves; 
the seeds are acrid, narcotic, and purgative, and have been used as a 
substitute for ipecacuanha. The yellow juice has been used in ophthalmic 
medicine, hence the name of the genus. Natives of America, but they 
have become widely distributed. 
Argemone mexicana, the Devil’s-fig, appears to have 
HiSt017 ' been introduced to England so far back as the year 1592, 
probably with a view to its use medicinally. It was not until 1820 that 
a second species—A. albifiora —was introduced, and seven years later 
two others were added— grandiflora and ochroleuca. The large-flowered 
A. kispida did not make its appearance in Britain until 1872. 
species Argemone albiflora (white flowered). 1 foot; petals, 
three, white; flowers July and August. 
