Papaver somniferum

Papaver somniferum, also known as the opium poppy or breadseed poppy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is the species of plant from which opium and poppy seeds are derived and is a valuable ornamental plant, grown in gardens. Its native range is probably the eastern Mediterranean, but is now obscured by ancient introductions and cultivation, being naturalized and cultivated in most parts of the world.

Pronunciation

Papaver somniferum: /pəˈpeɪvər sɒmˈnɪfərəm/

Etymology

The name Papaver somniferum was first used by Carl Linnaeus in his book Species Plantarum in 1753. The Latin somniferum means "sleep-bringing", referring to the sedative properties of some of these opium poppy's compounds. The genus name Papaver is the classical Latin name for the poppy.

Related Terms

Opium: A narcotic substance derived from the opium poppy.
Morphine: A potent opiate analgesic drug that is used to relieve severe pain, derived from the opium poppy.
Codeine: An opiate used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea, also derived from the opium poppy.
Papaveraceae: The poppy family of flowering plants, which includes the Papaver somniferum.

Cultivation and Uses

Papaver somniferum is a hardy annual that can be grown in most soils but prefers a rich, well-drained loam in full sun. The plant is commercially cultivated for its seeds and for the production of opium. The seeds are used in baking, for making poppy seed oil, and as a decoration in culinary dishes. The opium latex contains several important alkaloids including morphine and codeine, which are used medicinally for pain relief.

Legal Status

The legal status of Papaver somniferum varies by country. In some countries, the plant is legal to grow, but the extraction of opium is illegal. In others, both the cultivation of the plant and the extraction of opium are illegal.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Papaver somniferum
Wikipedia's article - Papaver somniferum

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Papaver somniferum