Atlas poppy (Papaver atlanticum, Ill. Fl. Atlant. 1: 11 (1882))

Family: Papaveraceae

Author: (Ball) Coss.

Bibliography: Ill. Fl. Atlant. 1: 11 (1882)

Year: 1882

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Papaver

Vegetable: False

Observations: Morocco

Description

The Atlas poppy, scientifically known as Papaver atlanticum, is a captivating member of the Papaveraceae family. This striking plant was first described in the “Illustrationes Florae Atlanticae” (1882) in volume 1, page 11, by the esteemed botanist John Ball, with the species later being classified under its current nomenclature by Ernest Saint-Charles Cosson.

Native to the rugged terrains of Morocco, Papaver atlanticum thrives in the unique climate and soil conditions of its habitat. This perennial herb brings a touch of vibrant beauty to the often austere landscapes it inhabits. The Atlas poppy is most easily recognized by its delicate, cup-shaped flowers that captivate onlookers with their intense orange to red petals, which sometimes have a crinkled texture reminiscent of crepe paper. The flowers are set against a backdrop of finely divided, grey-green foliage that provides a perfect contrast and highlights the vivid blooms.

In addition to its aesthetic charm, the Atlas poppy holds ecological significance in its native regions. It is adapted to the Mediterranean climate and rocky soils of Morocco, making it an important component of local plant communities. The species often grows in association with other flora that is adapted to similar conditions, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of these ecosystems.

Despite its beauty and ecological role, little is known about the full extent of the Atlas poppy’s uses. The plant, like many of its relatives in the Papaveraceae family, may contain various alkaloids, although detailed studies on this particular species are limited. Conservation efforts are crucial for this and many other native plants to ensure that their habitats are preserved and that they continue to flourish in the wild.

In summary, Papaver atlanticum is not only a breathtaking floral species from Morocco but also a testament to the botanical diversity and resilience of the region. Its vibrant flowers and distinctive foliage make it a valuable subject of study for botanists and a cherished spectacle for nature enthusiasts.

Common Names

Eng: atlas poppy, moroccan poppy
Deu: atlas-mohn
Dan: atlas-valmue
Fin: atlasunikko
Swe: atlasunikko, atlasvallmo, marockansk vallmo
Nob: atlasvalmue
Nno: atlasvalmue
Fra: pavot de l’atlantique
Nld: donzige klaproos
Cym: pabi’r atlas, pabïau’r atlas
En: Atlas Poppy, Moroccan poppy
Da: Atlas-valmue
Nl: Donzige klaproos
Fi: Atlasunikko
Fr: Pavot de l’Atlantique
De: Atlas-Mohn
Nb: Atlasvalmue
Nn: Atlasvalmue
Sv: Atlasunikko, Atlasvallmo, Marockansk vallmo
Cy: Pabi’r Atlas, Pabïau’r Atlas

Synonyms

• Papaver rupifragum var. atlanticum (Ball)
• Papaver rupifragum subsp. atlanticum ((Ball) Maire)

Distribution

• Morocco (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Phillip Meyke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Jeremy Jeremy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2022 by Peter Sanderson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Peeters P. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Manuelª (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 25, 2022 by Gretchen V. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by L S (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Janny Kalsbeek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by Amirreza Kordafshari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by Amirreza Kordafshari (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Eva Set (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Giulia Bauer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by Amirreza Kordafshari (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7315072)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:673414-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Papaver atlanticum Coss.)

Specifications

Growth