Anello Lustignano - Sasso Pisano - Monterotondo Mtt.mo

Poppies are short-lived herbaceous plants; they can be annuals, biennials, or even perennials. Some species are monocarpic and die after flowering. A poppy can exceed one meter in height and bear flowers up to 15 cm in diameter. The flowers of wild species (as opposed to cultivars) have 4 or 6 petals, numerous stamens that form a striking whorl at the center of the flower, and a pistil composed of many fused carpels. The petals display a variety of vivid colors, and some feature black spots at their base. The petals appear crumpled at the onset of flowering, but remain fully unfurled until they eventually drop. In temperate regions, poppies bloom from spring through early summer. Most species secrete latex when injured. Bees utilize poppies as a source of pollen.