Papaver

Papaver, commonly known as the poppy, is a genus of flowering plants renowned for its striking blooms and profound medicinal significance. Historically utilized for pain relief and sedation, its alkaloids serve as vital precursors in pharmacology. Beyond their aesthetic beauty, these plants remain central to modern anesthetic and analgesic studies.

  • Scientific name: Papaver
  • Family: Papaveraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Papaveraceae and falls under the genus Papaver.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Papaveraceae WCVP
Genus Papaver WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence extends further north to the landscapes of Finland. In the Atlantic region, the species is also established within Great Britain. Finally, the distribution includes the island nations of Iceland and Ireland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP

Chemicals

Papaver has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include codeine, morphine, oripavine, sanguinarine, thebaine.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
codeine 2 ★☆☆☆☆
morphine 2 ★☆☆☆☆
oripavine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sanguinarine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
thebaine 1 ★☆☆☆☆