Papaver rhoeas subspecies rhoeas

Πετεινός, Κουτσοπετεινός, Παπαρούνα η ροιάς

Etymology of Papaver rhoeas subspecies rhoeas

The genus name, "Papaver", probably derives from Vulgar Latin "papavum", which is perhaps a reduplicated form of the imitative root "pap-", meaning "to swell", alluding to the swelling of the seedpod during maturity. "Rhoeas" derives from Ancient Greek "ροιάς" [rias or rhoeas], probably from "ῥοιά" [ria or rhoea] meaning "pomegranate", alluding to the red color of the petals which is the same as the pomegranate's seeds.

The Papaver genus in Cyprus

Eight Papaver taxa (7 species and 1 subspecies) have been identified in the Cypriot habitat so far.

Papaver rhoeas subspecies rhoeas in Cyprus

Papaver rhoeas subsp. rhoeas is by far the most common papaver in Cyprus and a very popular plant in fact. It is widely spotted on roadsides, cultivated and uncultivated fields, and gardens. It appears all around Cyprus at an altitude of up to 1150 metres. Its long flowering period begins in February and ends in June.

Key morphological characteristics of Papaver rhoeas subspecies rhoeas

The key morphological characteristics of Papaver rhoeas subsp. rhoeas (the Common Poppy or Corn Poppy) are:

Stems

Erect, typically branched, and covered with spreading, stiff, bristly hairs. They can reach heights of 20-90 cm.

Leaves

The basal leaves are often in a rosette, while stem leaves are alternate. They are pinnately lobed or deeply dissected (pinnatisect) into narrow, toothed or cut segments. They are often hairy, especially on the veins.

Flowers

There are typically four petals, which are broadly ovate and crinkled (like tissue paper). Their color is most commonly bright scarlet red, but variations can include pink, white, or orange. The anthers are usually dark (purplish or blackish). It has two sepals that enclose the bud, which fall off when the flower opens. They are covered with spreading, bristly hairs. Such hairs, other Papavers in Cyprus have Papaver hybridum and Papaver dubium (which is doubtful if it exists in Cyprus).

Capsule (Fruit)

The shape of the capsule is subglobose to broadly obovoid (egg-shaped, wider at the top), smooth (glabrous), and relatively short and broad. It is not elongated or club-shaped. On the top of the capsule we find the stigmatic rays, which are typically 5 to 18 (commonly 8-12), radiating outwards from the centre of the disc.

Similarity with Papaver cyprium

Red Papaver rhoeas subspecies rhoeas looks similar to the red Papaver cyprium. Rhoeas has a capsule obovate-oblong or turbinate, attenuate towards the base, and is a plant usually more than 20 cm high. On the other hand, Papaver cyprium, which is encountered in the Akamas and Paralimni regions, has an obovoid capsule, gradually narrowing to the base. It is a plant that reaches 5-18 cm in height, is delicate, and grows on coastal sands. Papaver cyprium, while it can have some hairs, they are often less dense and robust than P. rhoeas or P. dubium, and may be more appressed in some parts.