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 its culinary and medicinal uses.

Description

The Opium Poppy is an annual plant, growing up to 1.5 meters tall. Its flowers are usually white to purple, with four to six petals. The plant's fruit is a large capsule, filled with numerous small black seeds.

Cultivation and uses

Opium Poppy has been cultivated by humans for at least 5,000 years for its medicinal properties. The plant's latex contains several important alkaloids, including morphine, codeine, and thebaine, which have been used for their analgesic and sedative effects.

In addition to its medicinal uses, the seeds of the Opium Poppy are used in many cuisines around the world. They are often used as a topping for breads and pastries, and can also be pressed to produce poppy seed oil.

Legal status

The cultivation of Opium Poppy for the production of opium is illegal in many countries, due to the potential for abuse and addiction. However, the plant is still widely grown for its seeds and as an ornamental plant.

See also

• Papaveraceae
• Opium
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Thebaine
• Poppy seed
• Poppy seed oil