Family: Papaveraceae Genus: Papaver
Species: Papaver dubium L.
Common Name(s): long-headed poppy, long smooth-headed poppy
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Papaver dubium, commonly known as the long-headed poppy, is known for its bright, showy red or orange-red flowers that brighten the fields of the Spanish meseta. This striking wildflower, native to much of Europe and parts of Asia, captivates with its colorful display. Along the Camino, travelers might also come across the related Eschscholzia californica Cham, or “California poppy,” which belongs to the same Papaveraceae family and features equally vivid orange or yellow flowers.
Fables, Folklore, and Mythology
In ancient Greece, poppies were associated with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and were thought to symbolize the fertility of the earth. Poppies were also associated with the god of sleep, Hypnos, due to their sedative properties.195
During World War I, the long-headed poppy became a symbol of remembrance for the soldiers who died in battle, due in large part to the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, which describes the poppies that grew on the battlefields of Belgium. This important symbol of remembrance carries on today.196
Traditional Medicine
While the long-headed poppy has not been thoroughly documented in traditional medicine, its close relative, the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), from the same family and genus, has a rich history in traditional medicine. The use of the opium poppy revolves around its psychoactive and analgesic properties, attributed to alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine found in the latex of the plant. These alkaloids have been used for their pain-relieving, sedative, and antitussive (cough-suppressant) effects.197
Gastronomy
While the seeds of the long-headed poppy are not typically considered edible and are not commonly used for culinary purposes, the seeds of some poppy species, like Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), are used as a culinary ingredient in baked goods, confectionery, and savory dishes.198
Ecology
The long-headed poppy is one of the first plants to grow in disturbed or degraded habitats. This ability to thrive in harsh conditions makes it an important indicator species for ecologists studying the health and resilience of an ecosystem.
