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Nicotiana glauca
Tree tobacco
Tree tobacco (Eng), tabaco moruno (Spa), arbre femer (Cat), charuto-do-rei (Por).
Non-native
DID YOU KNOW…? Nicotine is a very potent toxin that is used as a natural insecticide.
DESCRIPTION
A small tree or erect shrub that can be up to 7 m tall. The leaves are a little fleshy, deciduous, alternate, entire, hairless, and have a long stalk. They are oval or lanceolate, bluish green in colour (glaucous), and waxy. The yellow flowers are shaped like elongated tubes and are borne in groups at the ends of the twigs. The oval fruits are dry and in the form of a capsule. When they are ripe, the 2-4 valves open to release the seeds.
ECOLOGY
This is a widely naturalised species on slopes, embankments, along roadsides, water courses, and on river terraces, as well as disturbed and nitrified soils. Sometimes it can be seen on rubbish dumps or sheltered areas of buildings, but it is more common close to the coast at low altitudes as it does not tolerate cold well, although it can withstand drought.
DISTRIBUTION
This plant, originally from South America, has naturalised in the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia (except the Azores) and South Africa. It is included in the Atlas of invasive alien plants of Spain.
