Page 27 - Interface September Issue 2025
P. 27
HISTORY - The red poppy became various cuisines, in salads or as a BEES & BUTTERFLIES - The bright colours
a symbol of remembrance after garnish, adding a splash of color and and strong fragrance attract beneficial
World War I, due to its growth in a mild, sweet flavouring, poppies are insects, such as bees and butterflies,
Flanders fields. used in soups or stir-fries for their which are essential for pollination.
delicate flavour and nutritional value. By attracting these insects, poppies
SYMBOLS - In Eastern cultures, also aid in pollinating other nearby
particularly in China, poppies are NAME – The origin of the name plants, contributing to the health of
associated with prosperity and Papaver is uncertain. It is probably the garden and local ecosystem and
luxury. related to the word milk (pappa in supporting biodiversity.
Latin) referring to the milky latex sap
MEDICINAL - The opium poppy that oozes from the plant when cut. SUN LOVERS - Poppies are sun lovers
has been cultivated for over and grow in full sun and well-drained
5,000 years, first cultivated in SEEDS - Despite their tiny size, poppy soil.
ancient Mesopotamia for its seeds pack a punch in flavour and
medicinal properties. The opium are commonly used in baking. It ART - The famous artists like Claude
poppy (Papaver somniferum) is takes about 1 million poppy seeds to Monet (“The Poppy Field” 1873)
the source of opium, from which make a single pound! Poppy seeds and Vincent van Gogh (“Field with
morphine, codeine, and other remain dormant in the soil for many Poppies” 1890) were captivated by the
medicinal alkaloids are derived. years and still germinate when beauty of poppies and showcased
conditions are right. the beauties in their artwork, which
CUISINE - Although not commonly remains one of their most beloved
consumed, the flowers and bulbs OIL – Poppy seeds are pressed to pieces. The abstract forms and
of certain poppy varieties are produce poppy seed oil, which is shapes of these beloved flowers are a
edible and have been used in used in cooking and cosmetics. favourite subject for artists.
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