POPPY FAMILY 



25 



* Capsules smooth 



1.* P. somniferum (Opium Poppy). — Smooth with the exception 

 of a few spreading bristles on the peduncle, glaucous ; leaves 

 amplexicaul ; flower large, white, with a purple stain at the base 

 of each petal ; but of many other colours in garden varieties ; 

 capsule globular and smooth. Common in gardens and as an 

 escape, but not indigenous. Opium is procured by puncturing 

 the unripe capsules and collecting the juice which exudes and 

 hardens. The seeds yield a wholesome oil, which is not narcotic. 

 — Fl. July, August. Annual. 



papXver RHyEAS {Common Red Poppy). 



2. P. Rhozas (Common Poppy, Corn Rose). Hispid with 

 spreading or adpressed hairs ; leaves pinnatifid ; flowers 3 — 4 in. 

 across ; petals deep scarlet, often black at the base ; capsule 

 nearly globular, smooth. Common in cornfields. (The name from 

 the Greek rhoia, a pomegranate, which it resembles in its fruit.) 

 — Fl. June, July. Annual. 



3. P. dubium (Long Smooth-headed Poppy). — Hispid with ad- 

 pressed hairs ; leaves pinnatifid ; flowers large, scarlet ; petals in 

 unequal pairs ; capsule obovoid, smooth. — In cultivated fields. — 

 Fl. May — July. Annual. 



