
Nicotiana tabacum
Nicotiana tabacum, commonly known as cultivated tobacco, is a plant used primarily for producing tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. It is a tall annual herb with large, oval leaves that contain nicotine—a naturally addictive stimulant. Native to the Americas, this plant has been cultivated for centuries, and its leaves are harvested, cured, and processed to extract nicotine and other compounds. While often associated with recreational use, Nicotiana tabacum also has historical and cultural significance, and its cultivation plays a major role in the global tobacco industry.