Papaver somniferum

Who / What

Papaver somniferum is a species of flowering plant in the poppy family.

It is commonly known as the opium poppy or breadseed poppy and is valued both as a source of opium and poppy seeds and as an ornamental garden plant.

Background & History

The species originated in the western Mediterranean region.

From ancient times it has been widely introduced and cultivated beyond its native range, and it continues to play a role in modern agriculture and horticulture.

Why Notable

Papaver somniferum is the plant from which opium and poppy seeds are derived.

It has significant economic importance in medicinal and culinary industries, while also serving as a popular ornamental species in many gardens worldwide.

In the News

No recent developments are mentioned in the provided data.

The plant remains relevant due to its continued production of opiates and poppy seeds in contemporary contexts.

Key Facts

**Type:** organization

**Also known as:** opium poppy, breadseed poppy

**Founded / Born:** not specified

**Key dates:** native to the western Mediterranean; widespread introduction since ancient times

**Geography:** western Mediterranean region (native); cultivated worldwide

**Affiliation:** Papaveraceae family (plant family)

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaver_somniferum)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

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.