Family Name: Papaveraceae
Botanical Name(s): Papaver Somniferum
Popular Name(s): Poppy Seeds, Aphium Opium Poppy, White Poppy, Posta
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers
Habitat: Cultivated on large scale at altitude of 1500m - 2100m.
Description: The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), an annual herb 3-5 feet tall with gorgeous white to pink or purple flowers, has had a powerful impact on human affairs as a medical blessing and a societal curse.
Uses: Seeds are used as Tonic. Milky juice from immature fruits yields opium. Ripe and dry fruits contain only small quantity of alkaloids.