Papaver

Papaver is a genus of 70–100 species of frost-tolerant annuals, biennials, and perennials native to temperate and cold regions of Eurasia, Africa and North America. It is the type genus of the poppy family, Papaveraceae.

Description

The genus Papaver includes a number of well-known plants, such as the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, the source of opium, and the corn poppy, Papaver rhoeas, a common weed that was associated with agricultural fields long before the advent of herbicides and which is a symbol of fallen soldiers.

Species

The species Papaver somniferum is the source of opium and poppy seeds. It is also a popular ornamental plant. The species Papaver rhoeas is a common weed and ornamental plant. Other species include Papaver argemone and Papaver dubium.

Uses

Papaver species have been used for medicinal purposes. The opium poppy is used for the production of morphine and other painkilling drugs. Poppy seeds from Papaver somniferum are used in baking and cooking.

See also

• Opium
• Poppy seed
• Morphine

References

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External links

• Papaver at Britannica

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  Illustration of Papaver argemone
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  Opium pod cut to demonstrate fluid extraction