Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Opium-papawer, Opium poppy

Family: Papaveraceae (Poppy)

Distribution: Asia Minor

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Comments: The Latin botanical name means the "sleep-bringing poppy", referring to the sedative properties of some of the opiates derived from this plant. Opium poppies (flower and fruit) appear on the coat of arms of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.The opium poppy is the only species of Papaveraceae that is an agricultural crop grown on a large scale.