POPPY TRIBE 13 



I. Papaver (Poppy) 

 Capsules bristly 



1. P. Argemone (Long Rough-headed Poppy, Pale Poppy). 

 Capsule club-shaped ; bristles erect ; leaves twice pinnatifid. 

 A small species, with light scarlet petals, black at the base, 

 occurring sparingly in cornfields. (The name Argemone, frorr 

 argos, slothful, was formerly given to Poppies, from their narcotic 

 effects.) Fl. June, July. Annual. 



2. P. hybridum (Round Rough-headed Poppy). Capsule 

 nearly globular ; bristles spreading ; leaves twice pinnatifid. 

 Sandy or chalky cornfields uncommon. Flowers deep scarlet. 

 Fl. June, July. Annual. 



Capsules smooth 



3. P. dubium (Long Smooth-headed Poppy). Capsule oblong, 

 often twice as long as broad ; bristles on the flower-stalks close 

 pressed ; leaves twice pinnatifid ; flowers scarlet. Fl. June, 

 July. Annual. 



4. P. rhccas (Common Red Poppy). Capsules nearly globular ; 

 bristles spreading ; leaves pinnatifid, cut ; flowers large, rich 

 scarlet, often black at the base. The common poppy of corn- 

 fields. From this species the well-known garden Shirley Poppies 

 were raised, ranging through many beautiful and delicate shades 

 of crimson, pink, and white. Fl. June, July. Annual. 



5. P. somniierum (Opium Poppy). Capsule globular, smooth; 

 whole plant glaucous, and smooth, with the exception of a few 

 hairs on the flower-stalk, about 2 feet high. Flowers usually 

 white with a purple stain at the base of the petals ; but the 

 colours of the garden varieties are endless. Common in gardens, 

 and sometimes found apparently wild in waste ground, but its 

 native country is unknown. Opium is procured by puncturing 

 the umipe capsules of this plant, and collecting the juice which 

 exudes and hardens. The seeds are destitute of narcotic proper- 

 ties, and afford a wholesome oil, which is said to be used in 

 adulterating olive oil. Fl. July, August. Annual. 



2. Meconopsis {Welsh Poppy) 



1. M. Cambrica (Yellow Welsh Poppy). The only British 

 species, easily distinguished from any of the foregoing by its 

 golden-yellow flowers, and juice of the same colour ; and from 

 the Horned Poppy by its slender growth, and green, not glaucous 

 foliage. Rocky places in Wales, Devonshire, and Westmoreland, 

 etc. Fl. June, July. Perennial. A pretty variety with orange- 

 coloured double flowers has recently been introduced into 

 gardens. 



