An Opium poppy seed head (Papaver somniferum). The seeds are contained in this spherical seed pod topped by a star shaped disk formed by the stigmas of the flower. The seeds escape from pores beneath the disk when the capsule is shaken by the wind. The seeds are edible and do not contain the opium alkaloids. These are derived from the milky sap within the unripened seed pod.
This macro image is focus stacked from 160 shots at slightly different focal points for deep focus through a macro lens. Magnified in this way the architectural design and sculptural quality becomes all the more remarkable.
Archival pigment print on smooth matt Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 gsm heavyweight art paper.