Opium poppy
Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)
Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum), also known as the breadseed poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is the species of plant from which both opium and poppy seeds are derived and is a valuable ornamental plant, grown in gardens for its colorful flowers, as well as its unique and interesting seed pods.
Pronunciation
Opium Poppy: /ˈoʊpiəm ˈpɒpi/
Etymology
The term "opium" is derived from the Greek word opion, meaning "poppy juice", while "poppy" comes from the Old English popæg and Latin papaver. The species name somniferum means "sleep-bringing" in Latin, referring to the sedative properties of some opium poppy derivatives.
Description
The opium poppy is an annual plant, growing up to 1.5 meters tall. Its flowers can be white, pink, purple, or red, and its seeds are small and dark blue. The plant is native to the eastern Mediterranean region but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world.
Cultivation and Uses
The opium poppy is cultivated for its seeds, which are used in baking and cooking, and for the production of opium, a powerful narcotic drug. The plant's latex contains several important alkaloids, including morphine, codeine, and papaverine, which have significant medical uses.
Related Terms
- Morphine: A powerful pain-relieving drug derived from the opium poppy.
- Codeine: A less potent painkiller, also derived from the opium poppy.
- Papaverine: A vasodilator that is used to treat certain vascular conditions, derived from the opium poppy.
- Poppy seed: The edible seeds of the opium poppy, used in baking and cooking.
- Breadseed poppy: Another name for the opium poppy, referring to its culinary use.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Opium poppy
- Wikipedia's article - Opium poppy
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