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 Flower of Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) |
The most famous Laticifers are found in the Opium Poppy. The latex of this plant has been smoked for centuries in infamous "Opium Dens". Opium and its derivatives are physically addictive. Its Latex can be processed to produce Heroin and Morphine. The former has been a scourge while the later has been a "god-send". | ||
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Laticifers are more concentrated in
the Ovary Wall. Fruits are allowed to ripen on the stem. |
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The Ovary Wall (Pericarp) is scored
with a knife. Although many religions prohibit the use of Opium by their members, there appears to NO sin attached to growing the Opium Poppy!!!!!! |
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This severs internal Laticifers & their Latex exudes through the cuts. | ||
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The Latex is allowed to dry on the
Pericarp & is harvested. This is the traditional Protocol for Opium production. It is possible that more high tech methods have been developed. However, Opium growers are usually found in impoverished areas where disposable human labor is readily available at little cost. |
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The Seeds are also harvested. These do NOT contain Opium. The seeds are used in bread making and
as a topping for baked goods. Ornamental Poppies do not produce Opium!!! |
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