Satyanashi

Argemone mexicana was mistakenly introduced as a contaminant in seed, as an ornamental plant, or for cultivation primarily for ethnobotanical research. The history of its inception and global dissemination is poorly understood. It was originally noted on Ascension in 1828 and had become the most widespread weed on St. Helena by 1814. It was unintentionally introduced to New Zealand in the 1890s together with imported wheat. The plant was originally noted in 1934 and was brought to Hawaii as an ornamental. Tye noted that the plant was still very uncommon and expressed concern that it might pose a future threat. It was originally observed in the wild in the Czech Republic in 1965, but it now seems to be extinct.