Papaver somniferum is the latin, or "scientific" name refering to the opium poppy. Papaver somniferum can grows in warm weather, and requires well-drained soil, as it is prone to fungal infection. It has been cultivated as long as man's collective memory can be said to reach (at least 5,000 years) for its psychoactive sap. As a result, the seeds, which are not used in the production of opium, and contain no psychoactive substances, have been recycled to be used in cooking.