Papaver somniferum
Also known as opium poppy
species of plant
AI overview
Papaver somniferum, commonly known as the opium poppy, is a flowering plant species that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is significant because it produces alkaloid compounds used in both legitimate pharmaceutical medicines and illicit drugs, making it a plant of major medical, economic, and legal importance worldwide.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Species
Papaver somniferum
SPECIES
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderRanunculales
- FamilyPapaveraceae
General: The exudates of Papaver somniferum L. and P. bracteatum Use: -known being those of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum.
via GBIF · Kew POWO
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Zaaddozen van een Papaver somniferum. 23-08-2025. (actm.) 01.jpg
Sources (8)
Article
Papaver somniferum, commonly 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 both opium and poppy seeds are derived and is also a valuable ornamental plant grown in gardens. Its native range is the western Mediterranean region, but has since been obscured by widespread introduction and cultivation since ancient times to the present day. It is now naturalised across much of the world with temperate climates.
Description