Romneya [1] is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the poppy family (Papaveraceae). There are two species in the genus Romneya, which was named for Irish astronomer John Thomas Romney Robinson.[2] They are known commonly as Matilija poppies, bush poppies, California poppies, or tree poppies.[3] The common name "Matilija" is said to come from the Chumash leader, Chief Matilija. They are also known as the "fried egg flower" or the "fried egg plant" due to their bright yellow stamen, which creates the image of a sunny-side-up egg.[4] They are native to chaparral and coastal scrub habitats in Southern California and Baja California.[5] They are also known to do well in Britain.[6]
They are perennial subshrubs with woody stems. They may grow to a height of 2.5abbr=offNaNabbr=off and a width of 1m (03feet), with the flowers up to 13cm (05inches) across. The silvery green leaves are deeply cut, with a small fringe of hairs at the margins.
They are notable for their large, satiny white flowers and intense boss of yellow stamens, blooming in late spring and summer.[7] Their thin white petals have a satiny crepe-like texture. Romneya produce the largest flowers of any members of the poppy family.[8] These flowers prefer a warm, sunny spot against a south-facing wall with fertile soil with good water drainage.[9] [10] They are not easily grown but once established are difficult to remove. In the wild, they are known as "fire followers" because they need smoke to germinate[11] and can be frequently, but not exclusively, found in burned areas.[12] When these flowers are grown on a hillside, they can act as a soil binder and prevent erosion. Matilija poppies were reportedly used medicinally by the Chumash to treat skin and gum problems, and stomach aches.[13]
The two species are: