Papaveraceae

Papaveraceae

The Papaveraceae are a family of flowering plants in the order Ranunculales, informally known as the poppy family. The family is cosmopolitan, occurring in temperate and subtropical climates (mostly in the northern hemisphere), but almost entirely absent from the tropics. Most are herbaceous plants, but a few are shrubs and small trees.

Description

Members of the Papaveraceae family are annual, biennial or perennial herbs, shrubs, or less often, trees. They are usually covered with a waxy cuticle. The leaves are alternate and simple or pinnately compound. The leaf blades are usually entire, but sometimes deeply divided into lobes or segments.

Taxonomy

The family is classified in the Ranunculales order, closely related to the Eupteleaceae, and together they form a monophyletic group. The family currently includes about 42 genera and approximately 775 known species.

Distribution and habitat

Papaveraceae are cosmopolitan, but are most diverse in the temperate regions of the world. Some species also occur in subtropical and tropical areas, but they are absent from the tropics.

Uses

Many species produce alkaloids in their leaves, stems and roots, and are therefore toxic. Some, such as Papaver somniferum (the opium poppy), are significant sources of drugs used in medicine and recreation.

See also

• List of Papaveraceae genera
• Papaver somniferum
• Ranunculales

References

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External links

• The Plant List: Papaveraceae
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Papaveraceae

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