Papaver umbonatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Papaveraceae.[1][2] 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 Israel.[1][3]
Papaver umbonatum grows throughout the Levant, from Syria and Jordan to the Mediterranean coast.[4] It is easy to identify Papaver umbonatum by the black spots at the base of the petals.[clarification needed] 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.[citation needed] Contrary to popular belief, the poppy is not a protected plant in Israel.[5][6]