Reply #55: I don't know if is the same flower ... [View All]

[gleaner]

The Flanders poppies came in just two colors, I think. Red and dark blue. Opium poppies are many colored and thrive in hot climates. I grew up in L.A. and my Mom grew them for a couple of summers. They were beautiful with big blooms and I read an article about how opium and morphine and other drugs were derived from the sap of the flower. As an experiment I cut one on the green base and the next day there was a brown droplet which had bled out and hardened. I took it to my Mom and told her that I had made Opium. She took it pretty well. She explained how it had to be refined and that it was nothing I would ever want to use. She told me to leave the flowers alone unless I wanted a bouquet. I think I was a trial to my Mother sometimes, but she did give good advice under pressure.:evilgrin:

The climate in Flanders wouldn't support opium poppies. If I'm wrong, and it often happens, I know someone will set me straight.