Persian poppy

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• great scarlet poppy
• scarlet poppy

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Calomecon bracteatum
• Papaver lasiothrix
• Papaver pulcherrimum
• Papaver pollakii

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Papaveraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Papaver, specifically identified as Papaver bracteatum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Eurasia. In Northern Europe, its presence is specifically noted within Sweden. Moving southward, the species can be found throughout the Caucasus, including both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus regions. Its range extends further into Western Asia, where it inhabits the landscapes of Türkiye. Finally, the distribution concludes with its documented occurrence in Iran.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Papaver bracteatum is characterized by its adaptability to diverse topographical landscapes, ranging from expansive plains to rugged mountainous regions. In these varied environments, the plant thrives by colonizing open areas where it can access sufficient sunlight and space for its growth cycle. Its presence in both low-lying plains and high-altitude mountains suggests a broad ecological tolerance, allowing it to inhabit different microclimates and soil conditions found across these distinct terrains.

Habitat :

mountains, plains

Life history

The life history of Papaver bracteatum is characterized by a variable lifecycle that can manifest as an annual, biennial, or perennial, depending on environmental conditions and local ecological factors. As a plant that often exhibits a perennial nature, it establishes a robust root system that allows it to persist through multiple growing seasons, though its specific developmental trajectory may shift based on resource availability and climate stability. Throughout its life, the plant progresses through distinct vegetative and reproductive phases, utilizing its flexible lifecycle strategy to adapt to varying levels of environmental stress and to optimize its reproductive success within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Papaver bracteatum is characterized by its stature as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a growth form classified both as a herb and a forb. The plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 0.6 m to a maximum of 1.2 m.

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

1.2 m

Plant height min:

0.6 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Papaver bracteatum is fundamentally characterized by its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a process in which carbon dioxide is initially fixed into a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy dictates the plant's water-use efficiency and gas exchange patterns, as it relies on the enzyme RuBisCO to facilitate carbon fixation, making the plant susceptible to photorespiration under high temperature or water-stress conditions. Alongside this carbon assimilation mechanism, the plant's physiological framework supports the complex biosynthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids, which are sequestered within specialized cellular compartments. The metabolic flux is closely tied to its photosynthetic output, where the energy captured through the C3 pathway drives the enzymatic transformations necessary for secondary metabolite production. Additionally, its physiological processes involve regulated transpiration and nutrient uptake to maintain cellular homeostasis and support the structural development of its bracts and floral organs.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Papaver bracteatum is characterized by a flexible flowering phenology and a specific mechanism for seed dissemination. The flowering period is highly variable, with the onset of blooming potentially occurring as early as December, though the cycle is subject to seasonal fluctuations. The flowering phase typically concludes around June, though the specific duration can vary depending on environmental conditions. Once the reproductive structures have matured and seed production is complete, the plant utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind currents to transport its seeds to new locations.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Dec

Flowering time :

Jun

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Papaver bracteatum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Planta medica
2. World journal of microbiology & biotechnology

Chemicals

Papaver bracteatum has 52 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include THEBAINE, codeine, morphine, Isothebaine, Oripavine.

THEBAINE

1. Dr. Duke
2. Planta medica
3. Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB
4. World journal of microbiology & biotechnology
5. Journal of natural medicines

codeine

1. Dr. Duke
2. World journal of microbiology & biotechnology
3. Lloydia

morphine

1. Dr. Duke
2. World journal of microbiology & biotechnology
3. Lloydia

Isothebaine

1. Dr. Duke
2. Lloydia

Oripavine

1. Dr. Duke
2. Lloydia

(-)-nuciferine

1. Dr. Duke

14beta-Hydroxycodeinone

1. Dr. Duke

BBE

1. Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB

Bractavine

1. Dr. Duke

Bracteoline

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Papaver bracteatum has 168 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, Abortifacient, Adjuvant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic.

5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Abortifacient

1. Dr. Duke

Adjuvant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Amphicholeretic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Anemiagenic

1. Dr. Duke

Anesthetic

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations