Double Poppy named Pink Fizz #4
by J McCombie
Title
Double Poppy named Pink Fizz #4
Artist
J McCombie
Medium
Photograph - Untouched
Description
This piece has been featured in the FAA Group, "Flowers Up Close ...".
Papaver somniferum, the Opium poppy, is the species of plant from which opium and poppy seeds are derived. Opium is the source of many narcotics, including morphine (and its derivative heroin), thebaine, codeine, papaverine, and noscapine. The Latin botanical name means the "sleep-bringing poppy", referring to the sedative properties of some of these opiates. The opium poppy is the only species of Papaveraceae that is an agricultural crop grown on a large scale. It is also valuable for ornamental purposes, and has been known as the "common garden poppy", referencing all the group of poppy plants. Poppy seeds of Papaver somniferum are an important food item and the source of poppyseed oil, a healthy edible oil that has many uses.
Papaver somniferum has many subspecies or varieties and cultivars. Colors of the flower vary widely, as do other physical characteristics, such as number and shape of petals, number of flowers and fruits, number of seeds, color of seeds, production of opium, etc. Papaver somniferum Paeoniflorum group (sometimes called Papaver paeoniflorum) is a subtype of opium poppy whose flowers are highly double, and are grown in many colors. P. somniferum Laciniatum group (sometimes called Papaver laciniatum) is a subtype of opium poppy whose flowers are highly double and deeply lobed, to the point of looking like a ruffly pompon.
Pink Fizz' is an erect, hardy annual herb with deeply-lobed, grey-green leaves. In summer, its erect, leafy stems bear large, semi-double or very double elegant flowers of irregular and finely slashed feathery and fringed ("lacinate") petals in two-tone, pink bicolour blooms of coral pink with white centres. The fruit (a large, grey-green seed pod) is a hairless, rounded capsule topped with 1218 radiating stigmatic rays that make a useful addition to dried flower arrangements. All parts of the plant exude white latex when wounded. Height: 90cm (35"). Spread: 30cm (12").
All poppies are poisonous. However, the seeds produced by this specific variety only can be eaten. Typically they are used in bakery recipes.
Uploaded
November 17th, 2014
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