The species of November 2013

Name: Yellow hornpoppy
Scientific name: Glaucium flavum Crantz
Family: Papaveraceae

Description
Two-year or perennial plant.

Lymphatic base leaves  while the higher ones surround the shoot.

Flowers broad golden yellow.

Fruit capsule that opens from above.

It blooms from May to November

Habitat
It is found in coastal sandy areas and has never been found in mainland.

Spreading
It is locally common on the beaches of Larnaca and in the area of ​​Timis-Mandria in Paphos.

Value – Uses
All parts of the plant, including the seeds, are toxic. The plant secretes a yellow juice that is poisonous. It causes several unpleasant symptoms such as high blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting and severe breathing difficulties that can lead to death.

In ancient times it was used as a cleanser.

Sources:  
[1] www.wildlife-archipelago.gr –  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
[2] Βιβλίο « Αγριολούλουδα και άλλα φυτά της κυπριακής γης» -Εκδότης Υπουργείο Γεωργίας και Φυσικών Πόρων-Τμήμα Δασών  

Image source:
© Σάββας Τρύφωνος,  Ημερομηνία εγγραφής : 21/10/2013