Opium poppy (English spelling)

Japanese: ケシ(芥子) - ケシ（英語表記）opium poppy

A biennial plant of the Papaveraceae family (illustration) that has long been cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Native to the eastern Mediterranean coast and Asia Minor, it is said to have been introduced to Japan from China or India during the Muromachi period. The stem is hairless, erect, and grows to nearly 2m, with a powdery white color. In May, it produces large, beautiful flowers about 10cm in diameter. The flowers open for one day before wilting, and there are horticultural varieties with a variety of flower colors, including pure white, red, purple, and striped. The two sepals fall early, the flower has four petals, and many stamens.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

観賞用，薬用に古くから栽培されるケシ科の越年草（イラスト）。東部地中海沿岸から小アジアにかけての地域が原産地で，日本には室町時代に中国あるいはインドから渡来したといわれる。茎は無毛で直立して2m近くになり，全体に粉白をおびる。5月ごろ，径約10cmの大きな美しい花をつける。花は1日開いてしぼみ，純白色を基本に紅色，紫色，絞りなどさまざまな花色の園芸品種がある。2枚の萼片は早落性で，花弁は4枚，おしべは多数。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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