Papaveraceae Family Overview
Papaveraceae is a family of flowering plants that consists of about 2,500 species placed in approximately 42 genera. The family is distributed throughout the world, mainly in northern temperate regions.
Taxonomy and Classification
The systematics of the family has been modified in the last decade due to the evidence gathered through phylogenetic analyses based on molecular markers.
The order Ranunculales encompasses the Papaveraceae family, subdivided into two subfamilies, Papaveroideae and Fumarioideae. Papaveroideae is further divided into two tribes, Papavereae and Chelidonieae, and Fumarioideae consists of two tribes, Fumarieae and Hypecoeae.
Characteristics
The Papaveraceae family is characterized by the production of alkaloids, a group of organic compounds that give the plants their characteristic bitter taste and medicinal properties.
The flowers are solitary or arranged in inflorescences, with four or six petals and numerous stamens. The fruit is a capsule that opens up in two or more valves.
There are many toxic species within the family, but it also includes important medicinal plants, such as opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis).
Distribution of the Papaveraceae Family
The Papaveraceae family is widely distributed worldwide and includes around 200 genera and 2,500 species of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and small trees. They are found in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of both hemispheres.
In general, the family occurs mostly in Eurasia and North America, but some species are also found in South America, Africa, and Australia. The highest diversity of the Papaveraceae family is found in the Mediterranean region, especially in Iran and Turkey, where many endemic species occur.
Habitats of Papaveraceae Plants
Plants from the Papaveraceae family can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, steppes, deserts, scrublands, woodlands, and forests. Most species prefer well-drained soils, but some are adapted to wet or marshy areas.
The family includes both annual and perennial plants, and they display a wide range of growth habits, from low-growing rosettes to tall shrubs. Some species are adapted to fire and have mechanisms to resprout after a wildfire.
Ecological Preferences and Adaptations
The Papaveraceae family exhibits some ecological preferences and adaptations that help them survive in different environments. For example, some species have deep taproots that help them access water deeper in the soil, while others have crinkled leaves that help them conserve moisture in dry conditions.
Many species of the Papaveraceae family produce alkaloids and other secondary metabolites that deter herbivores from eating them. Some of these compounds also have medicinal properties and have been used by humans for centuries to treat pain, inflammation, and other ailments.
Overall, the Papaveraceae family is an important group of plants that play important roles in many ecosystems worldwide, as well as in human cultures and economies. Understanding their distribution, habitats, and adaptations is essential for their conservation and sustainable use.
General Morphology and Structure
Plants within the Papaveraceae family are typically herbaceous or perennial and characterized by conspicuous, showy flowers. The family includes more than 40 genera and 800 species, including poppies, bloodroot, and celandine. The plants typically grow in temperate regions and display a range of adaptations for survival in various environments.Key Anatomical Features and Adaptations
One of the key anatomical features of Papaveraceae plants is the presence of a milky sap or latex, which serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores and insects. Additionally, the leaves of many Papaveraceae plants are succulent, which allows them to survive in dry or arid environments. Another adaptation commonly seen in the family is the presence of a taproot, which allows plants to access water and nutrients from deep within the soil. In some species, the roots may also form symbiotic associations with fungi to enhance nutrient uptake.Variations in Leaf Shapes and Flower Structures
Variations in leaf shape and flower structure are common within the Papaveraceae family. For example, Papaver species are known for their large, showy flowers with crinkled petals, while species in the genus Meconopsis have more delicate, papery petals in shades of blue and purple. Leaves within the family can range from finely dissected, fern-like structures to broad, ovate shapes. For example, Corydalis species typically have finely cut, delicate leaves, while Fumaria species have more oval-shaped, lobed leaves. Overall, the Papaveraceae family displays a wide range of morphological and structural adaptations that allow them to thrive in various environments.Reproductive strategies of the Papaveraceae family
The Papaveraceae family includes a diverse range of plants that utilize various reproductive strategies for their propagation. The most common methods of reproduction within the family include sexual reproduction through pollination and asexual reproduction via vegetative propagation.
Mechanisms of reproduction
Most of the plants in the Papaveraceae family are hermaphroditic, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs. They produce flowers that contain stamens (male reproductive organs) and pistils (female reproductive organs). Self-pollination is common within the family. Some plants employ specialized mechanisms of reproduction such as cleistogamous flowers for self-pollination, and apomixis for asexual reproduction.
Flowering patterns and pollination strategies
Plants in the Papaveraceae family typically have showy flowers that attract pollinators. The flowers are commonly produced individually or in clusters at the tips of the stems, and they usually last for only a short period. The pollination strategies observed in this family are diverse and include self-pollination, wind pollination, and insect pollination depending on the species. Some plants are known to produce nectar to attract insects, while others use color, scent, and shape to draw their pollinators.
Seed dispersal methods and adaptations
Plants from the Papaveraceae family have evolved various mechanisms to disperse their seeds. Most species of this family produce dry, dehiscent seed capsules, which burst open when mature, scattering seeds. Wind and insect-mediated pollinated plants may have adapted to produce winged seeds or spiny capsules that stick to fur or clothing for dispersal, respectively. Also, some species have seed pods that twist when dry, throwing their seeds around.
Featured plants from the Papaveraceae family
More plants from the Papaveraceae family
- Arctomecon californica Torr. & Frém. - California Bearpoppy
- Arctomecon humilis Coville - Common Bearpoppy
- Arctomecon merriamii Coville - Desert Bearpoppy
- Arctomecon Torr. & Frém. - Bearpoppy
- Argemone aenea G.B. Ownbey - Golden Pricklypoppy
- Argemone alba Lestib. f. - >>argemone Albiflora Ssp. Albiflora
- Argemone albiflora
- Argemone albiflora Hornem. - Bluestem Pricklypoppy
- Argemone albiflora Hornem. ssp. albiflora - Bluestem Pricklypoppy
- Argemone albiflora Hornem. ssp. texana G.B. Ownbey - Bluestem Pricklypoppy
- Argemone albiflora Hornem. var. texana (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners - >>argemone Albiflora Ssp. Texana
- Argemone arizonica G.B. Ownbey - Arizona Pricklypoppy
- Argemone aurantiaca G.B. Ownbey - Texas Pricklypoppy
- Argemone bipinnatifida Greene - >>argemone Hispida
- Argemone chisosensis G.B. Ownbey - Chisos Mountain Pricklypoppy
- Argemone corymbosa Greene - Mojave Pricklypoppy
- Argemone corymbosa Greene ssp. arenicola G.B. Ownbey - Mojave Pricklypoppy
- Argemone corymbosa Greene ssp. corymbosa - Mojave Pricklypoppy
- Argemone corymbosa Greene var. arenicola (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners - >>argemone Corymbosa Ssp. Arenicola
- Argemone glauca (Nutt. ex Prain) Pope - Smooth Pricklypoppy
- Argemone glauca (Nutt. ex Prain) Pope var. decipiens G.B. Ownbey - Smooth Pricklypoppy
- Argemone glauca (Nutt. ex Prain) Pope var. glauca - Smooth Pricklypoppy
- Argemone glauca (Nutt. ex Prain) Pope var. inermis O.& I. Deg. - >>argemone Glauca Var. Glauca
- Argemone gracilenta Greene - Sonoran Pricklypoppy
- Argemone hispida Gray - Rough Pricklypoppy
- Argemone intermedia auct. non Sweet - >>argemone Polyanthemos
- Argemone intermedia Sweet var. polyanthemos Fedde - >>argemone Polyanthemos
- Argemone L. - Pricklypoppy
- Argemone leiocarpa Greene - >>argemone Mexicana
- Argemone mexicana auct.
- Argemone mexicana L.
- Argemone mexicana L.
- Argemone mexicana L. forma lanata N.Robson
- Argemone mexicana L. forma leiocarpa (Greene) G.B.Ownbey
- Argemone mexicana L. forma mexicana
- Argemone mexicana L. var. ochroleuca (Sweet) Lindl. - >>argemone Ochroleuca
- Argemone mexicana L. var. ochroleuca (Sweet) Lindl.
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. - Flatbud Pricklypoppy
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. ssp. argentea G.B. Ownbey - Flatbud Pricklypoppy
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. ssp. munita - Flatbud Pricklypoppy
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. ssp. robusta G.B. Ownbey - Flatbud Pricklypoppy
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. ssp. rotundata (Rydb.) G.B. Ownbey - Flatbud Pricklypoppy
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. var. argentea (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners - >>argemone Munita Ssp. Argentea
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. var. robusta (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners - >>argemone Munita Ssp. Robusta
- Argemone munita Dur. & Hilg. var. rotundata (Rydb.) Shinners - >>argemone Munita Ssp. Rotundata
- Argemone ochroleuca Sweet
- Argemone ochroleuca Sweet subsp. ochroleuca
- Argemone ochroleuca Sweet var. stenophylla (Prain) Shinners - >>argemone Ochroleuca
- Argemone ochroleuca Sweet x A. mexicana L. ex Hell.
- Argemone platyceras auct. non Link & Otto - >>argemone Polyanthemos
- Argemone platyceras Link & Otto var. hispida (Gray) Prain - >>argemone Hispida
- Argemone platyceras Link & Otto var. rosea Coult. - >>argemone Sanguinea
- Argemone pleiacantha Greene - Southwestern Pricklypoppy
- Argemone pleiacantha Greene ssp. ambigua G.B. Ownbey - Southwestern Pricklypoppy
- Argemone pleiacantha Greene ssp. pinnatisecta G.B. Ownbey - Southwestern Pricklypoppy
- Argemone pleiacantha Greene ssp. pleiacantha - Southwestern Pricklypoppy
- Argemone pleiacantha Greene var. ambigua (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners - >>argemone Pleiacantha Ssp. Ambigua
- Argemone pleiacantha Greene var. pinnatisecta (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners - >>argemone Pleiacantha Ssp. Pinnatisecta
- Argemone polyanthemos (Fedde) G.B. Ownbey - Crested Pricklypoppy
- Argemone rotundata Rydb. - >>argemone Munita Ssp. Rotundata
- Argemone sanguinea Greene - Red Pricklypoppy
- Argemone squarrosa Greene - Hedgehog Pricklypoppy
- Argemone squarrosa Greene ssp. glabrata G.B. Ownbey - Hedgehog Pricklypoppy
- Argemone squarrosa Greene ssp. squarrosa - Hedgehog Pricklypoppy
- Argemone squarrosa Greene var. glabrata (G.B. Ownbey) Shinners - >>argemone Squarrosa Ssp. Glabrata
- Argemone subfusiformis G.B.Ownbey
- Bocconia arborea S.Watson
- Bocconia cordata Willd. - >>macleaya Cordata
- Bocconia frutescens L. - Parrotweed
- Bocconia japonica André - >>macleaya Cordata
- Bocconia L. - Bocconia
- Canbya aurea S. Wats. - Golden Pygmypoppy
- Canbya candida Parry ex Gray - White Pygmypoppy
- Canbya Parry ex Gray - Pygmypoppy
- Chelidonium corniculatum L. - >>glaucium Corniculatum
- Chelidonium L. - Celandine
- Chelidonium majus L. - Celandine
- Chelidonium majus L. var. laciniatum (P. Mill.) Syme - Celandine
- Chelidonium majus L. var. majus - Celandine
- Chelidonium majus L. var. plenum Wehrhahn - Celandine
- Corydalis ambigua
- Corydalis aurea - Scrambled Eggs
- Corydalis cava
- Corydalis edulis
- Corydalis falconeri
- Corydalis govaniana
- Corydalis incisa
- Corydalis intermedia
- Corydalis juncea
- Corydalis ochotensis
- Corydalis pallida
- Corydalis solida - Fumewort
- Corydalis ternata
- Corydalis vaginans
- Corydalis yanhusuo - Yan Hu Suo
- Dendromecon Benth. - Tree Poppy
- Dendromecon harfordii Kellogg - Harford's Tree Poppy
- Dendromecon rigida Benth. - Tree Poppy
- Dendromecon rigida Benth. ssp. harfordii (Kellogg) Raven - >>dendromecon Harfordii
- Dendromecon rigida Benth. ssp. rhamnoides (Greene) Thorne - Tree Poppy
- Dendromecon rigida Benth. ssp. rigida - Tree Poppy
- Dendromecon rigida Benth. var. rhamnoides (Greene) Munz - >>dendromecon Rigida Ssp. Rhamnoides
- Dicentra canadensis - Squirrel Corn
- Dicentra cucullaria - Dutchman's Breeches
- Dicentra spectabilis - Bleeding Heart
- Eschscholzia caespitosa Benth. - Tufted Poppy
- Eschscholzia caespitosa Benth. ssp. kernensis Munz - >>eschscholzia Lemmonii Ssp. Kernensis
- Eschscholzia caespitosa Benth. var. hypecoides (Benth.) Gray - >>eschscholzia Hypecoides
- Eschscholzia californica - Californian Poppy
- Eschscholzia californica Cham. - California Poppy
- Eschscholzia californica Cham.
- Eschscholzia californica Cham. ssp. mexicana (Greene) C. Clark - California Poppy
- Eschscholzia californica Cham. var. crocea (Benth.) Jepson - >>eschscholzia Californica Ssp. Californica
- Eschscholzia californica Cham. var. douglasii (Benth.) Gray - >>eschscholzia Californica Ssp. Californica
- Eschscholzia californica Cham. var. maritima (Greene) Jepson - >>eschscholzia Californica Ssp. Californica
- Eschscholzia californica Cham. var. peninsularis (Greene) Munz - >>eschscholzia Californica Ssp. Californica
- Eschscholzia Cham. - California Poppy
- Eschscholzia covillei Greene - >>eschscholzia Minutiflora Ssp. Covillei
- Eschscholzia elegans Greene - >>eschscholzia Ramosa
- Eschscholzia glyptosperma Greene - Desert Poppy
- Eschscholzia hypecoides Benth. - San Benito Poppy
- Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene - Lemmon's Poppy
- Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene ssp. kernensis (Munz) C. Clark - Tejon Poppy
- Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene ssp. lemmonii - Lemmon's Poppy
- Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. asprella (Greene) Jepson - >>eschscholzia Lemmonii Ssp. Lemmonii
- Eschscholzia lemmonii Greene var. laxa Greene - >>eschscholzia Lemmonii Ssp. Lemmonii
- Eschscholzia lobbii Greene - Fryingpans
- Eschscholzia mexicana Greene - >>eschscholzia Californica Ssp. Mexicana
- Eschscholzia minutiflora S. Wats. - Pygmy Poppy
- Eschscholzia minutiflora S. Wats. ssp. covillei (Greene) C. Clark - Coville's Poppy
- Eschscholzia minutiflora S. Wats. ssp. minutiflora - Pygmy Poppy
- Eschscholzia minutiflora S. Wats. ssp. twisselmannii C. Clark - Red Rock Poppy
- Eschscholzia minutiflora S. Wats. var. darwinensis M.E. Jones - >>eschscholzia Minutiflora Ssp. Covillei
- Eschscholzia parishii Greene - Parish's Poppy
- Eschscholzia procera Greene - >>eschscholzia Californica Ssp. Californica
- Eschscholzia ramosa Greene - Channel Island Poppy
- Eschscholzia rhombipetala Greene - Diamondpetal California Poppy
- Glaucium corniculatum (L.) J.H. Rudolph - Blackspot Hornpoppy
- Glaucium corniculatum (L.) Rudolph
- Glaucium flavum - Horned Poppy
- Glaucium flavum Crantz - Yellow Hornpoppy
- Glaucium grandiflorum auct.
- Glaucium P. Mill. - Hornpoppy
- Hesperomecon linearis (Benth.) Greene - >>platystigma Linearis
- Hunnemannia fumariifolia Sweet - Mexican Tulip Poppy
- Hunnemannia Sweet - Hunnemannia
- Macleaya cordata - Plume Poppy
- Macleaya R. Br. - Macleaya
- Meconella californica Torr. & Frém. - California Fairypoppy
- Meconella collina Greene - >>meconella Californica
- Meconella denticulata Greene - Smallflower Fairypoppy
- Meconella linearis (Benth.) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. - >>platystigma Linearis
- Meconella linearis (Benth.) A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr. var. pulchella (Greene) Jepson - >>platystigma Linearis
- Meconella Nutt. - Fairypoppy
- Meconella octandra Greene - >>meconella Californica
- Meconella oregana Nutt. - White Fairypoppy
- Meconella oregana Nutt. var. denticulata (Greene) Jepson - >>meconella Denticulata
- Meconopsis aculeata
- Meconopsis napaulensis - Himalayan Poppy
- Papaver aculeatum Thunb.
- Papaver alaskanum Hultén - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Alaskanum
- Papaver alaskanum Hultén var. macranthum Hultén - >>papaver Macounii Ssp. Macounii
- Papaver alboroseum Hultén - Pale Poppy
- Papaver alpinum L. - Dwarf Poppy
- Papaver apulum Ten. var. micranthum auct. non (Boreau) Fedde - >>papaver Hybridum
- Papaver argemone - Prickly Poppy
- Papaver argemone L. - Long Pricklyhead Poppy
- Papaver argemone L.
- Papaver californicum Gray - Western Poppy
- Papaver croceum Ledeb. - Ice Poppy
- Papaver denalii Gjaerev. - >>papaver Mcconnellii
- Papaver dubium - Long-head Poppy
- Papaver dubium L. - Blindeyes
- Papaver dubium L.
- Papaver freedmanianum D. Löve - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Kluanense
- Papaver gariepinum Burch.
- Papaver glaucum Boiss. & Hausskn. - Tulip Poppy
- Papaver hispidum Lam.
- Papaver hultenii Knaben - >>papaver Lapponicum
- Papaver hultenii Knaben var. salmonicolor Hultén - >>papaver Lapponicum
- Papaver hybridum L. - Round Pricklyhead Poppy
- Papaver hybridum L.
- Papaver keelei Porsild - >>papaver Macounii Ssp. Discolor
- Papaver kluanense D. Löve - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Kluanense
- Papaver lapponicum (Tolm.) Nordh. - Lapland Poppy
- Papaver lapponicum (Tolm.) Nordh. ssp. occidentale (Lundstr.) Knaben - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Radicatum
- Papaver lapponicum (Tolm.) Nordh. ssp. porsildii Knaben - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Radicatum
- Papaver lemmonii Greene - >>papaver Californicum
- Papaver macounii Greene - Macoun's Poppy
- Papaver macounii Greene ssp. discolor (Hultén) Rändel ex D.F. Murray - Macoun's Poppy
- Papaver macounii Greene ssp. macounii - Macoun's Poppy
- Papaver macounii Greene var. discolor Hultén - >>papaver Macounii Ssp. Discolor
- Papaver mcconnellii Hultén - Mcconnell's Poppy
- Papaver microcarpum auct. non DC. - >>papaver Macounii Ssp. Discolor
- Papaver nigroflavum D. Löve - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Radicatum
- Papaver nudicaule - Arctic Poppy
- Papaver nudicaule L. - Icelandic Poppy
- Papaver nudicaule L. var. coloradense Fedde - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Kluanense
- Papaver nudicaule L. var. columbianum Fedde - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Kluanense
- Papaver nudicaule L. var. pseudocorylatifolium Fedde - >>papaver Alpinum
- Papaver nudicaule L. var. radicatum (Rottb.) DC. - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Radicatum
- Papaver orientale - Oriental Poppy
- Papaver orientale L. - Oriental Poppy
- Papaver pseudo-orientale (Fedde) Medw. - Oriental Poppy
- Papaver pseudoorientale (Fedde) Medv. - >>papaver Orientale
- Papaver pygmaeum Rydb. - Alpine Poppy
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. - Rooted Poppy
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. alaskanum (Hultén) J.P. Anders. - Rooted Poppy
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. kluanense (D. Löve) D.F. Murray - Rooted Poppy
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. lapponicum Tolm. - >>papaver Lapponicum
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. occidentale Lundstr. - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Radicatum
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. porsildii (Knaben) A. Löve - >>papaver Radicatum Ssp. Radicatum
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. ssp. radicatum - Rooted Poppy
- Papaver radicatum Rottb. var. pygmaeum (Rydb.) Welsh - >>papaver Pygmaeum
- Papaver rhoeas - Corn Poppy
- Papaver rhoeas L.
- Papaver scammanianum D. Löve - >>papaver Macounii Ssp. Discolor
- Papaver somniferum - Opium Poppy
- Papaver somniferum L. - Opium Poppy
- Papaver somniferum L.
- Papaver somniferum L. var. setigerum auct. non (DC.) Corb. - >>papaver Somniferum
- Papaver walpolei Porsild - Walpole's Poppy
- Papaver walpolei Porsild var. sulphureomaculatum Hultén - >>papaver Walpolei
- Papaver ×strigosum (Boenn.) Schur (pro sp.)
- Platystemon arizonicus Greene - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystemon Benth. - Creamcups
- Platystemon californicus - Creamcups
- Platystemon californicus Benth. - Creamcups
- Platystemon californicus Benth. var. ciliatus Dunkle - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystemon californicus Benth. var. crinitus Greene - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystemon californicus Benth. var. horridulus (Greene) Jepson - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystemon californicus Benth. var. nutans Brandeg. - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystemon californicus Benth. var. ornithopus (Greene) Munz - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystemon confinis Greene - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystemon mohavensis Greene - >>platystemon Californicus
- Platystigma Benth. - Queen Poppy
- Platystigma linearis Benth. - Narrowleaf Queen Poppy
- Roemeria argentea Thunb.
- Roemeria Medik. - Roemeria
- Roemeria refracta DC. - Spotted Asian Poppy
- Romneya coulteri Harvey - Coulter's Matilija Poppy
- Romneya coulteri Harvey var. trichocalyx (Eastw.) Jepson - >>romneya Trichocalyx
- Romneya Harvey - Matilija Poppy
- Romneya trichocalyx Eastw. - Bristly Matilija Poppy
- Sanguinaria canadensis - Blood Root
- Sanguinaria canadensis L. var. rotundifolia (Greene) Fedde - >>sanguinaria Canadensis
- Sanguinaria L. - Bloodroot
- Stylomecon G. Taylor - Windpoppy
- Stylomecon heterophylla (Benth.) G. Taylor - Windpoppy
- Stylophorum lasiocarpum