Papaver somniferum L. subsp. somniferum
opium poppy
Stems up to 150 cm tall. Lvs bluntly dentate or obtusely lobed, glabrous. Capsule broadly ovoid to obovoid or globose, (10)-15-30-(40) × (10)-15-30-(40) mm; stigma rays (7)-8-12-(15).
N.; S.; St.
Eurasia 1883
Locally common in disturbed waste land, roadsides, and depleted pasture throughout, especially in E. South Island.
FL Nov-Feb-(Apr) FT (Nov)-Dec-Mar-(Apr).
Opium poppy is commonly cultivated in many parts of N.Z. for its large attractive fls. Forms with double fls and/or fringed petals betray an origin as garden escapes. P. somniferum subsp. somniferum is cultivated in many parts of the world for opium, poppy seeds and poppy seed oil. Opium is the dried latex of opium poppy. It contains some 25 alkaloids, including the important analgesics morphine and codeine. Heroin (diacetyl morphine) is synthesised from morphine, and codeine is commercially synthesised from morphine or thebaine. A capsule of opium poppy is illustrated in Plate 14.
This subsp. has also been referred to in N.Z. as subsp. hortense.
