Papaver

The genus Papaver refers to a group of flowering plants commonly known as poppies. These plants, found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, are characterized by their lobed leaves, milky sap, and distinctive flowers with four to six petals and numerous stamens. The fruit is typically a capsule that releases many small seeds.1

A notable species within this genus is the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). While cultivated for its nonnarcotic seeds used in food and oil production, this species is also the source of opium, from which potent alkaloids like morphine, codeine, and heroin are derived. Other Papaver species, such as the Oriental poppy and Iceland poppy, are valued for their ornamental flowers. The poppy family, Papaveraceae, includes numerous genera and species, many of which are popular garden plants.1234