Opium Poppy
Opium Poppy
The Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum), 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 in agriculture for its seeds.
Pronunciation
Opium Poppy: /ˈoʊpiəm ˈpɒpi/
Etymology
The term "Opium Poppy" originates from the Latin Papaver, meaning poppy, and somniferum, meaning sleep-bringing. The term "opium" is derived from the Greek word opion, meaning poppy juice.
Description
The Opium Poppy is an annual plant, growing up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are lobed and clasp the stem at the base. The flowers are up to 120mm diameter, normally with four white, mauve or red petals, sometimes with dark markings at the base. The fruit is a hairless, rounded capsule topped with 12–18 radiating stigmatic rays, or fluted capsule.
Cultivation and uses
Opium Poppy is cultivated in lower altitudes, including in the Mediterranean region, across the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Despite the fact that opium poppy cultivation is illegal in many parts of the world, the law is often poorly enforced, and poppy fields can be found in many regions.
The plant's sap contains a number of alkaloids, including morphine and codeine. These alkaloids can be processed to create opium, a powerful narcotic drug. The seeds of the Opium Poppy, while not containing any of the narcotic alkaloids, are often used in cooking for their nutty flavor.
Related terms
- Papaveraceae: The family of flowering plants to which the Opium Poppy belongs.
- Opium: A narcotic drug obtained from the Opium Poppy.
- Morphine: A powerful pain-relieving drug derived from opium.
- Codeine: A less powerful, but still potent, pain-relieving drug also derived from opium.
- Capsule (fruit): The type of fruit produced by the Opium Poppy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Opium Poppy
- Wikipedia's article - Opium Poppy
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