Papaveraceae
Papaveraceae Juss. comprises approximately 40–45 genera and 750–800 species, distributed mainly in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Modern molecular phylogenetic studies have broadened the circumscription of Papaveraceae to include the former families Fumariaceae and Pteridophyllaceae as subfamilies. Members are distinguished by herbaceous habit, latex-bearing tissues, deeply lobed leaves, showy flowers with caducous sepals, superior ovaries, and capsular fruits.
Key characteristics
- Annual or perennial herbs with latex
- Leaves alternate, deeply lobed or dissected
- Sepals two, falling early
- Flowers usually large and showy
- Stamens numerous
- Ovary superior
- Fruit a capsule opening by pores or valves
- Seeds numerous and small
Distribution
Papaveraceae is distributed primarily throughout the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa, extending into subtropical and montane tropical areas. Members inhabit grasslands, rocky slopes, deserts, alpine meadows, agricultural fields, forest margins, and disturbed habitats. In Pakistan, Papaveraceae occurs, the Salt Range, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan regions. Species are particularly abundant in temperate valleys, alpine meadows, rocky slopes, cultivated fields, wastelands, and disturbed mountain habitats. Representative genera include Papaver, Glaucium, Corydalis, Fumaria, and Hypecoum.