Anatomical Studies on Papaver bracteatum (Lindley)

Abstract

The laticifers of P. bracteatum are shown to be similar in distribution and structure to those of P. somniferum; however, they are usually more closely packed and anastomose more frequently. Electron microscopy also shows that the alkaloidal vesicles have very similar structure in the two plants, with electron dense caps occurring fairly frequently. A comparison of poppy straw (powdered capsule and stem) from both species show many similarities but that from P. bracteatum can be distinguished by the presence of setae fragments and abundant lignified parenchyma and sclereids; that from P. somniferum by lignified fragments of the inner epidermis of the pericarp containing nonlignified stomatal remains.

Key Word Index

Papaver bracteatum - Laticifers - Papaver somniferum - Electron Microscopical Studies