Meconopsis betonicifolia
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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 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
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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.