Flora Friday - Poppy
The Poppy (Papaver) is part of the Papaveroideae family which is a subfamily of the Papaveraceae family. I have determined that the Poppy pictured above is a Shirley Poppy Papaver Rhoeas. Other names include:
- Common Poppy
- Field Poppy
- Red Poppy
- Corn Poppy
- Flanders Poppy
- Corn Rose
- Bulka
Where to find
Most Poppy species like temperate climates and can be found across areas of Africa, Asia, Europe and America, depending on the species. You're most likely to find a Poppy in a field, by a roadside, in grasslands or in a garden.
Edible Parts
The edibility of a Poppy depends on its species. Some petals can be eaten and the seeds are generally edible but some species, particularly in Asia, are Opium Poppies so, it's best to check with your local experts!
Medicinal Uses
Again, the medical uses of Poppies depends on the species but some uses for Poppies are:
- Muscle relaxant
- Easing diarrhea
- Helping stomach cramps
Morphine is made from a species of Poppy and Poppies have been used for their sedative qualities for centuries with some of the earliest accounts coming from the Ancient Sumerians.
Poppy seeds can help with:
- Hair growth
- Dandruff
- Insomnia
- Strengthening the immune system
- Digestion
- Eye health
- Regulating nerve functions
Magical Uses
In magical practices, Poppy flowers and seeds are used for:
- Love
- Luck
- Fertility
- Money
- Helping with sleep
- Remembrance
- Death
- Lunar workings
- Connections to Water
- Rebirth
- Grief
- Feminine energy
- Agriculture
- Abundance
- Confusion
Victorian Flower Language
In Victorian Flower Language, Poppies represent Fantastic Extravagance and Eternal Sleep. Send with Snowdrops to represent the loss of a loved one and with Dahlias to mark the grave of a fallen and beloved companion.
I hope you've found this Flora Friday insightful!!
Blessings,
C )0(
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
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