Opium Poppy Pods Explained

Dried poppy pods are most commonly referred to as Papaver Somniferum which is world renowned for its beautiful flowers and edible seeds. Dried opium poppy pods have frequently been used for medicinal, culinary and sometimes even recreational purposes throughout the ages. One of the main reasons that are associated with the popularity of these opium poppies is the fact that they are also the primary ingredient of many opiates with sedative properties.
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If you have ever bought poppy pods you will notice that they are some of the most beautiful flowers you will ever find in a garden. Many types of these poppies are widely available in various colours which include blue, yellow, orange, pink, red, white, purple, and even blue. You can grow your own unique poppies in your outdoor or indoor garden.

Many of these particular species of poppy flowers are frequently utilized in both medicines and food. The most sought after species being that of the opium poppy pod. Dried opium poppy pods contain opium which is a source of many sedative by-products. But, contrary to the popular notion, not every dried poppy pod contains opium.

The opium poppy plant is a colourful flower, which begins its growth process as a pod from which petals sprout. Papaver Somniferum is actually the Latin word for opium poppy and the literal definition is "the sleep-bringing poppy, white form".

This species of Papaver Somniferum contains the majority of opiates, such as morphine and codeine. Take note that it is illegal in majority of countries in the world to deliberately extract the contents of specific types of poppies to get raw morphine.

Dried poppy pods are not always purchased for the sole purpose for committing an illegal act. Florists and hobbyists love using them for ornamental or craft making sessions. After the flower petals fall off the plant the remaining pod can be cut off. It is best that one hangs them up to let them dry. Once the poppy pods are dry, they can be used in flower arrangements or for other decorative purposes.

Since dried opium poppy seeds are edible, and legal to possess and consume, they are oftentimes used in cooking recipes such as breads and desserts throughout the world. You can easily find poppy seeds available at most of your local grocery retailers on the shelves alongside other cooking ingredients. Even though the store brand poppy seeds contain tiny levels of residual opiates one could possibly test positive for drugs if they were consumed within the last 24 hours.

It is of utmost important that one realizes that growing opium poppy pods is considered illegal in most countries even it if the purpose was just to obtain seeds for use in cooking. Since a single poppy pod plant can produce morphine, heroin or opium, getting caught growing these particular species of poppies can result in heavy fines or worse incarceration. Be warned that the risk of growing opium poppy pods is very high and nobody wants to go to prison. Attempting to grow poppy plants is one thing but be aware that even if you are found to be in possession of dried opium poppy pods you could face similar court fines or prison time as if you were to actually grow them yourself.

Many casual poppy plant growers tend to think that growing a small portion in their private garden for flowers or seeds means they are not doing anything illegal. However, it is absolutely incorrect to assume that rules and regulations, as well as the consequences, don't pertain to you since they are the same regardless of the number of plants that you may grow. Therefore, it is highly recommended, that is need dried poppy pods, to either buy poppy seeds from a reputable supplier or purchase dried opium pods from verified sellers.If you are searching for more of the colourful variety of dried Papaver Somniferum pods for decorative purpose, it is much better to buy them from a flower store or online stores authorized to do so. There is always a legal risk of growing poppies. In conclusion, opium poppies for legal commercial pharmaceutical use and culinary purposes are grown by suppliers who acquire special government licenses around the world.
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Native Flowers of Austria

Austria is located in Central Europe and has a temperate and fairly cool climate. Half the country is located in the Alps and so, the country has an alpine weather. The winters can be quite chilly while the summers can be quite hot. The topographical and climatic conditions of country account for various varieties grown in the country. Some of the native flowers of Austria, which add to the beauty of this country, are mentioned below.

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Edelweiss

Edelweiss is one of the popular mountain flowers of Europe as well as the national flower of Austria. The flower is a member of the sunflower family. The flower has the shape of a star with tiny white hairs, which give it a woolly appearance. The hairs protect the flower from the cold. It has a yellow center with five to six tiny flower heads. The flower is used to depict daring and courage due to its ability to grow in the cold mountain climate. Moreover, it is quite difficult and dangerous to get the flower from the mountainous areas where it is grown due to which, it is said to be the symbol of bravery. Besides this, it has significance in the military operations in the Alps. It was the symbol of the alpine division of the Austrian-Hungarian Army in 1907. The flower is also used in folk medicine and is pictured on the euro coins of the country. Moreover, it is commonly grown in gardens throughout the country.

Gentian

This flower is native to the Alps and usually grows in the wild. The flower grows in clusters and is commonly blue, yellow, white and purple. One of the species, which can be found on the observe side of the € 0.01 euro coin, is blue and trumpet-like in shape.

Arnica

The arnica is a perennial flower and is also known as leopard's bane. The flower is yellow-orange in color and blooms during the spring season. This flower is another member of the sunflower family. The flower is commonly used in traditional medicine throughout the country as a remedy for bruises and sprains.

Heather

The flower grows in clusters in a shrubby plant. The flower is purple in color and its blooming period stretches from early spring to late summer. Usually the flower can be found grown along moors and bogs.

These are some of the native flowers of Austria. Apart from them, alpine carnation, alpine rose and hyacinth are also native to the country. Some other flowers like roses are also grown in the country.