Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 508 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000480963
Common Names
- Papaver somniferum
- Somniferum Papaver
- Papaver Somniferum
Synonyms
- Papaver album Mill. [unknown]
- Papaver amoenum Lindl. [unknown]
- Papaver amplexicaule Stokes [unknown]
- Papaver indehiscens Dumort. [unknown]
- Papaver album-nigrum Crantz [unknown]
- Papaver paeoniflorum (Alef.) Corrêa [unknown]
- Papaver opiiferum Forssk. [unknown]
- Papaver officinale C.C.Gmel. [unknown]
- Papaver sylvestre Godr. [unknown]
- Papaver somniferum nigrum DC. [unknown]
- Papaver somniferum album (Mill.) DC. [unknown]
Description
Papaver somniferum (also called Opium Poppy, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family. It is native to the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran, and it grows in rocky, grassy, and sandy habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Papaver somniferum is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Papaver somniferum sub. setigerum (DC.) Arcang.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Papaver somniferum is white with a yellow center, and the seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, with a single stem and two leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Papaver somniferum is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow and propagate. It can be grown from seed or propagated from root cuttings. When grown from seed, it can take up to two years to flower. When propagated from root cuttings, it can take up to one year to flower. When planting, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is in a sunny location. It is also important to water regularly and to fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilizer.
Where to Find Papaver somniferum
Papaver somniferum is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in areas such as Spain, Portugal, and North Africa.
Papaver somniferum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Papaver somniferum?
Papaver somniferum
What is the common name of Papaver somniferum?
Opium Poppy
What is the natural habitat of Papaver somniferum?
It is native to the Caucasus region, Turkey, and Iran
Species in the Papaver genus
Papaver chelidoniifolium,
Papaver chakassicum,
Papaver clavatum,
Papaver chionophilum,
Papaver boissierianum,
Papaver bourgeauanum,
Papaver bracteatum,
Papaver calcareum,
Papaver californicum,
Papaver cambricum,
Papaver carmeli,
Papaver curviscapum,
Papaver bipinnatum,
Papaver anadyrense,
Papaver angustifolium,
Papaver arachnoideum,
Papaver anjuicum,
Papaver ammophilum,
Papaver arenarium,
Papaver atlanticum,
Papaver atrovirens,
Papaver baitagense,
Papaver bartuschianum,
Papaver intercedens,
Papaver involucratum,
Papaver decaisnei,
Papaver holophyllum,
Papaver hypsipetes,
Papaver humile,
Papaver lapponicum,
Papaver jacuticum,
Papaver lateritium,
Papaver lecoqii,
Papaver laestadianum,
Papaver laevigatum,
Papaver detritophilum,
Papaver dubium,
Papaver dodecandrum,
Papaver glaucum,
Papaver godronii,
Papaver gorgoneum,
Papaver gracile,
Papaver glabrum,
Papaver halophilum,
Papaver heterophyllum,
Papaver alboroseum,
Papaver acrochaetum,
Papaver aculeatum,
Papaver alberti,
Papaver libanoticum,