The Red Poppy is known and beloved by children. You find it in all parts
of the country in summer and autumn, growing among the corn, on the
railway banks and under the hedges.
The flower has four bright red petals, and of these the two outer are
larger than the two inner.
These petals are soft and silky, with wavy edges. When they first burst
their green covering they are tightly folded and are much crinkled all
over. But after a day in the sunshine they unfold, and all the crinkles
disappear.
Sometimes you find a bright purple spot at the bottom of each scarlet
petal.
In the centre of the flower sits a curious green cup with a lid, and
this lid is covered with dark rays which look like the legs of a spider.
This green cup is the seed-vessel, and as soon as the seeds are ripe,
they pour out through a row of little holes which open just beneath the
green lid.
There is a ring of black-headed stamens standing up all round the green
seed-cup.
The Red Poppy has two green sepals. These are very thin and hairy, and
they drop off almost as soon as the flower opens.
Each Poppy grows on a long slender stalk which is covered with hairs.
The leaves are divided into many narrow fingers, and they are rough and
hairy.