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Description
Nicotiana Rustica, commonly known as wild tobacco, is an annual plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to South America and widely grown in the Amazon basin. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has green leaves that are ovate in shape. The flowers of Nicotiana Rustica are small, tubular, and white in color. The plant produces a potent form of tobacco that has been used by indigenous tribes for centuries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Nicotiana |
Appearance
Nicotiana Rustica has a bushy appearance and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant has green leaves that are ovate in shape and can reach up to 8 inches in length. The flowers of Nicotiana Rustica are small, tubular, and white in color. The plant produces a sticky substance that can make the leaves and stems feel slightly slimy to the touch. The seeds of Nicotiana Rustica are small and brown in color.
Care Guide
Nicotiana Rustica is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for Nicotiana Rustica:- Water: Nicotiana Rustica prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drying out between watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Nicotiana Rustica benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.- Soil: Nicotiana Rustica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Plant in a mixture of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.- Sunlight: Nicotiana Rustica prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Nicotiana Rustica is hardy in zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Nicotiana Rustica is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by the following:- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Tobacco hornworm: Tobacco hornworms are large green caterpillars that can eat the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be controlled by handpicking or with Bacillus thuringiensis.- Tobacco mosaic virus: Tobacco mosaic virus can cause mottling and distortion of the leaves. There is no cure for the virus, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Nicotiana Rustica is native to South America and is widely grown in the Amazon basin. The plant prefers warm temperatures and can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be grown in containers or in the ground and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Nicotiana Rustica the same as regular tobacco?
A: No, Nicotiana Rustica is a different species of tobacco that produces a more potent form of tobacco.
Q: Can Nicotiana Rustica be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Nicotiana Rustica can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How is Nicotiana Rustica used?
A: Nicotiana Rustica is often smoked or used in traditional medicine by indigenous tribes.
Q: Is Nicotiana Rustica legal to grow?
A: The legality of growing Nicotiana Rustica varies by location. Check your local laws before growing.
Related Plants
– Nicotiana Tabacum- Nicotiana Alata- Nicotiana Sylvestris- Nicotiana Glauca
References
– “Nicotiana Rustica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b485.- “Nicotiana Rustica.” Plants For A Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Nicotiana+rustica.- “Wild tobacco.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295861-2.
