Common poppy  (Papaver rhoeas)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The common poppy is a familiar wild flower, which has long been a symbol of death and rebirth, and is worn in many countries on Remembrance Day in order to commemorate those who lost their lives during warfare (4). The vibrant blood red blooms are supported by hairy stalks; the rounded petals are broader than they are long, and often have a dark spot at the base. Pink or white flowers may also occur. The stamens consist of violet coloured anthers borne on purplish-black filaments, and the stigma is a flattened disk with 8-14 rays (2). The branching stems are covered with stiff hairs, and the leaves are narrow and divided into toothed segments (2). The fruit is in the form of a capsule, capped by a disk; the small brown seeds are released via holes that open below the disk (5).

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