Argemone glauca, or Pua kala, is one of the prickly poppies (family Papaveraceae) and is endemic the

Argemone glauca, or Pua kala, is one of the prickly poppies (family Papaveraceae) and is endemic the Hawaiian islands where it exists at many altitudes. A. glauca (named for the glaucous = gray green/blue leaves) produces a classic white flower with yellow center and has spiny leaves which along with toxic alkaloids deter herbivores from grazing. While not possessing the opioids for which poppies may be best known, the alkaloids Pua kala possesses made it useful to native Hawaiians for treating various medical conditions such as ulcers, toothaches, and warts. Like its mainland counterparts, A. glauca prefers fairly dry habitats, doing well in places with little rainfall. Though native to only north and south America, various species of Argemone have been introduced throughout the world, including different species though within the native range of the genus. Argemone mexicana is a fairly close relative of A. glauca and has been introduced to the Hawaiian islands, benefiting from adaptation to similar environments. -- source link

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