Meconopsis betonicifolia
Species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Meconopsis betonicifolia (syn. Meconopsis baileyi), the Himalayan blue poppy,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It was first formally named for western science in 1912 by the British officer Lt. Col. Frederick Marshman Bailey.[2]
| Meconopsis betonicifolia | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Papaveraceae |
| Genus: | Meconopsis |
| Species: | M. betonicifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Meconopsis betonicifolia | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Meconopsis baileyi | |
Meconopsis betonicifolia is hardy in most of the United Kingdom[3] and it has striking large blue flowers. This herbaceous perennial is often short-lived.[3]
Description
_5863.JPG)
Meconopsis betonicifolia is a rare flower found in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Myanmar at elevations of 2000 to 5000 meters.[4] It thrives in slightly alkaline to acidic soils in cool, moist environments. The flower's distinctive blue color results from various pigments influenced by the soil's pH and UV light exposure.[5] Blue poppies have been introduced to gardens for their beauty; however, due to overexploitation, they are becoming scarce in the wild.[6] The hermaphroditic flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for cross-pollination and genetic diversity. The plant's life cycle spans two to three years, with flowering occurring in the second or third year after seed germination. Followed by wind-dispersal, the seeds can remain viable for several years.
