MEXICAN POPPY 



Eschscholtzja mexicana Greene 



Mexican poppy is a gay member of the Poppy Family, covering 

 sandy desert mesas with sheets of lovely flowers. It is rather lower in 

 growth than the California poppy. The finely cut gray-green leaves 

 make an effective background for the flowers, which open fully in 

 bright sunshine, but close at night and do not open in cloudy weather. 

 The buds are enclosed by the sepals which form a tiny cap, which is 

 pushed aside as the petals unfold. The plant is cultivated easily and is 

 a great favorite with the amateur gardener. 



Mexican poppy occurs in arid portions of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, 

 and northern Mexico. 



The sketch was made from specimens growing near Tucson, Ari- 

 zona. 



PLATE 393 



