The annual tobacco plant grows to a height of one to three meters and develops large leaves, up to half a meter long. These leaves are arranged alternately, with the tallest leaves being the best quality for tobacco production. Tobacco produces attractive, funnel-shaped flowers with five pink to red petals. The ovaries are packed with numerous ovules, and a single plant can produce up to one million seeds. The leaves contain the alkaloid nicotine, which is toxic and serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores. However, the consumption of Nicotiana tabacum can be traced back to the Mayan period in South American history. In autumn, the yellow leaves are harvested, hung to dry, and later fermented to develop the characteristic tobacco aroma. Note: For tax reasons, there are limits on the amount of tobacco plants that can be cultivated. However, Virginia tobacco, with its pretty pink flowers, can also be kept as an easy-care ornamental plant, even for non-smokers.
Natural Habitat Tobacco's original habitat is South America.
