Papaver lateritium collected by Peter Davis on a river bank in the hilly Ikidere district of Rize in Eastern Turkey. Researching the flora of Turkey was Peter Davis’ life work. He edited 10 volumes of The Flora of Turkey and the Aegean Islands putting all his knowledge and experience in print for future generations of scholars and plantsmen to develop. This work has now been continued by Professor Dr Adil Güner of the Nezahat Gökyigit Botanic Garden, Istanbul, Turkey.

P. lateritium has large, gloriously bright orange petals. The multiple anthers which surround the pepper pot like central stigma are laden with dusty dry black pollen. This when released is spread over the inner petals. As the light fades in late evening the petals rise up, drawing together. On some irregular black markings appear like a swift brush stroke.

Papaver lateritium

Papaver lateritium