Nicotiana

Nicotiana is a genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs in the family Solanaceae, that is indigenous to the Americas, Australia, south west Africa and the South Pacific. Various Nicotiana species, commonly referred to as tobacco plants, are cultivated as ornamental garden plants. N. tabacum is grown worldwide for production of tobacco leaf for cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Description

The Nicotiana plants are generally tall herbs, reaching 1.5 to 3 meters in height. They have simple, alternate leaves and tubular or funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers are most often white, pink or red. The fruit is a capsule that opens at the top to release the seeds.

Species

There are about 67 species of Nicotiana, including:

• N. tabacum – cultivated tobacco, grown for the production of tobacco products.
• N. rustica – Aztec tobacco, a strong, high-nicotine species native to the Andes and traditionally used in shamanic rituals.
• N. sylvestris – woodland tobacco, grown as an ornamental plant for its large, fragrant flowers.
• N. alata – winged tobacco, also grown as an ornamental plant.

Uses

Nicotiana plants are cultivated for many purposes. N. tabacum is the most commonly grown species and is used for the production of tobacco products. Some species, like N. sylvestris and N. alata, are grown as ornamental plants for their attractive and fragrant flowers. Certain indigenous cultures have traditionally used N. rustica in shamanic rituals.

Cultivation

Nicotiana plants are generally easy to grow and are often found in gardens. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are propagated by seed, which can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors and transplanted outside after the last frost.

See also

• Tobacco
• Solanaceae

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