Poppy

Poppy is a group of a flowering plants in the poppy family Papaveraceae. They are grown for their colorful flowers and some species can be used for food and as a source of opiate drugs. Poppies are sometimes used for symbolic reasons, such as in remembrance of soldiers who have died during wartime.

Poppy flowers have 4 to 6 petals, many stamens forming a conspicuous whorl in the center of the flower and an ovary consisting of from 2 to many fused carpels. The petals are showy, may be of almost any color and some have markings. The petals are crumpled in the bud and as blooming finishes, the petals often lie flat before falling away. Most species secrete latex when injured. The pollen of the oriental poppy, Papaver orientale, is dark blue. The pollen of the field poppy or corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is dark green to grey. Bees use poppies as a pollen source.

Poppies belong to genera of Papaveraceae, which includes:

• Papaver – corn poppy, Opium poppy, Oriental poppy, Iceland poppy, and about 120 other species
• Eschscholzia – California poppy and relatives
• Meconopsis – Welsh poppy, Nepal poppy, and relatives
• Stylophorum – Celandine poppy or wood poppy
• Argemone – Prickly poppy
• Romneya – Matilija poppy and relatives
• Canbya – Pygmy poppy
• Stylomecon – Wind poppy
• Arctomecon – desert bearpaw poppy
• Hunnemannia – Tulip poppy
• Dendromecon – Tree poppy