Thakal

Nepali: Thakal
Hindi: Bharbhand
English : Prickly poppy
Sanskrit: Brahmadandi
Scientific Name: Argemon mexicana Linn.

Family: Papaveraceae
Habit: An erect , prickly annual herb
Flowering and Fruiting Period: December-June

Chemical Constituents:
        The fatty acid composition of the oil from the seeds obtained is myristic,1; Palmitic, 12; stearic,5; arachidic,1; oleic,23 and linoleic , 58%.

Occurence:
    Tropical to Sub-tropical zones.

Description :
    An erect , prickly annual herb, up to 1.2m height, naturalized upto an altitude of 1500m.

Uses:
  The seeds are emetic and narcotic. Seeds are reported to be used for diarrohea and dysentry.

Source: Dutta, I.C. (2007). Non Timber Forest Products of Nepal.