Papaveraceae

Defining Characteristics

• Colored latex or watery sap (white, yellow, orange, or red) in articulated laticifer cells
• Large, showy flowers with 2 sepals that fall early, and 4–6 (or more) free crumpled petals
• Numerous stamens
• Capsule fruit dehiscing by pores or valves
• Rich in isoquinoline alkaloids (morphine, codeine, papaverine, sanguinarine)
• Includes former Fumariaceae (bleeding heart, fumitory) with bilaterally symmetric flowers

Notable Genera

• Papaver (poppy)
• Sanguinaria (bloodroot)
• Chelidonium (celandine)
• Lamprocapnos / Dicentra (bleeding heart)
• Meconopsis (Himalayan poppy)
• Eschscholzia (California poppy)

Notes

Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) is the source of morphine, codeine, and heroin — among the most significant pharmaceutical and narcotic plants. Poppy seeds are widely used in cooking. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria) contains sanguinarine, used in some dental products.