Papaver umbonatum

Papaver umbonatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae. It is referred to by the common name Semitic poppy. It is often confused and misidentified as Papaver rhoeas (corn poppy, common in Europe) even though it is classified as the rest of the subspecies, since they are very similar in form and appearance. Its native range includes the rocky plains of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine.

In Israel
Papaver umbonatum grows throughout Israel, from Mount Hermon to the south. It is easy to identify Papaver umbonatum by the black spots at the base of the petals. Papaver umbonatum has a hairy and bristly stem, and an unpleasant smell. The flower is pollinated by beetles from the Glaphyridae family, which are unique among insects in their ability to detect red color. Contrary to popular belief, the poppy is not a protected plant in Israel.