Opium poppy Facts
Opium poppy Facts
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| Interesting Opium poppy Facts: |
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| Opium poppy can reach from 12 inches to 4 feet in height, depending on the species. |
| Opium poppy has ovate or oblong leaves that are lobed or toothed on the edges. They grow in the form of rosette at the base of the stem. Leaves are bluish-grey colored and covered with fine hairs. |
| Opium poppy produces large flowers. They consist of 4 petals that can be red, orange, yellow, white, lavender or purple colored. Flowers often have black marking at the base of the petals. |
| Fruit of opium poppy is round capsule. Upper part of capsule is flattened and porous (filled with numerous holes). |
| Opium poppy produces large number of miniature, kidney-shaped seed. They are usually black or brown colored (rarely white). |
| All parts of opium poppy produce milky sap (called latex) that contains around 80 different alkaloids. Latex is usually extracted from green capsules. It changes color from white to brown after exposure to air. Ripe capsule and seed don't contain active compounds and can be consumed safely. |
| Dried latex is source of morphine, codeine, papaverine and noscapine. These substances are used in the manufacture of painkillers and cough syrups. |
| Opium poppy is also used for the production of heroin. Heroin is a type of recreational drug which induces euphoria and eliminates anxiety. It produces strong addiction. |
| Latin name of the opium poppy literally means "sleep bringing poppy". Plant is named that way due to ability to induce sedation quickly after consumption. |
| Opium poppy is mildly toxic for cats and dogs. Animals can become drowsy, comatose or heavily sedated after consumption of this plant. |
| Opium poppy was used in treatment of asthma, poor eyesight and stomach disorders in the past. |
| Poppy seed are used as source of food in Turkey, Egypt and Central and Eastern Europe. They are often used for the preparation of pastries or in decorative purposes. Oil extracted from the seed of opium poppy is used for cooking. |
| Ancient Egyptians were using opium poppy for the preparation of floral arrangements for the funerals. |
| Certain musical compositions of famous French composer Hector Berlioz were created under the influence of opium (extracted from opium poppy). |
| Opium poppy can grow as annual (life span: one year) or perennial plant (life span: over 2 years). |
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