tabacum

Nicotiana tabacum, commonly called tobacco, is a flowering plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is the species most widely cultivated for commercial tobacco leaves and is the principal source of products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. The species is an annual or short-lived perennial that typically reaches 1–2 meters in height. It has large, alternate leaves that are often sticky and fragrant and an inflorescence of tubular, five-lobed flowers, usually pale greenish-yellow to white or pink. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule containing numerous tiny seeds.

Origin and taxonomy: N. tabacum is an allotetraploid believed to have arisen by hybridization between two wild relatives, N. sylvestris and N. tomentosiformis, in the Americas prior to European contact. It was spread by explorers and colonists to Europe and other continents from the 16th century onward and is now grown in many warm and subtropical regions.

Cultivation and processing: The plant is usually grown as an annual in temperate regions. Leaves are harvested, cured, and fermented to develop flavor and reduce harshness; curing methods include air-curing, fire-curing, and flue-curing. Nicotine and other alkaloids in the leaves act as natural pesticides and contribute to the plant’s pharmacological properties in humans.

Uses and significance: In addition to its role in commercial tobacco products, N. tabacum serves as a widely used model organism in plant biology and biotechnology, including genetic engineering and the production of recombinant proteins.

Health and regulation: Tobacco use is associated with serious health risks, and nicotine is highly addictive. Many countries regulate production, labeling, advertising, and public smoking.