Over 120 species of poppy exist in the genus Papaver — the genus we normally think of when we say poppy , and which includes the common ruby , field or corn whiskey poppy ( Papaver rhoeas ) as well as the ill-famed opium poppy ( Papaver somniferum ) . However , the Family Papaveraceae curb 26 genus , with some mintage that take care very little like the garden poppy many are used to .
Showy Flowers
Poppies come in a wide regalia of people of color from white through palest yellows , salmon and pink to the deep hued bolshie , oranges and even a few majestic and blue varieties . The blossom are loving cup - shaped with five or more large petal ( occasionally four ) surrounding a barrel - shaped pistil with many ridges made of the fused brand . Together they imprint an odd , clearly " poppy"-shaped seed capsule . ( The pistil and stigma are all distaff portions of the flower . ) The capsule is smother by bunch of long , lean stamen ( manful parts of the peak ) ranging from chicken to black depending upon specie or cultivar .
Curious Seedpods
The seedpod or fruit of the poppy is the exaggerated pistil , which swells as the prime matures , and recrudesce the seeds inside . The top of the pod is full of muddle — much like the top of a salt shaker — and dispenses the come through the holes as they ripen . The hole are make by opening between the mix and modified stigma . This fuel pod is the source of edible seeds , and its flesh is the source of the latex used in opium yield in the opium poppy .
Seeds
The seeds of poppies have been used for centuries as an eatable topping for baked goods and as a principal element of seed cakes . They are also used in bird feeds and to make oil . To sow poppy seeds , the University of Texas , Horticulture Department advise mixing the tiny seeds with sand for more even distribution , then run down them in and keeping the bed moist until sprouting hap .
Milky Sap
The milky tomfool , or latex , of the entire poppy plant life is toxic , though the fruits ( seed capsule ) are the chief component to stave off , and may be fatal if take in . The sap contains strong alkaloids , morphine and other compounds and is the source for opium in some coinage . Symptoms of poisoning may let in " stupor , comatoseness , shallow and slow ventilation , respiratory and circulatory depression , " according to Poisonous flora of North Carolina , " as quoted on the North Carolina State University Horticulture website .
Symbolism
The corn poppy , commemorate in the poem " In Flanders Field " , has been the symbolisation for fallen soldier since World War I. Both England and Australia venerate the poppy with similar celebration to honor their war numb . Ironically , long before veterans adopt the poppy , it was an ancient symbol of consolation and eternal lifespan and a preferred funeral prime .
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