Nicotiana longiflora

Nicotiana longiflora is a herbaceous plant from the family of the Solanaceae. This family comprises over 2,700 species, which also include well -known plants such as tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco. There are numerous species within the genus Nicotiana, some of which are cultivated because of their decorative properties and others due to their nicotine content. Nicotiana longiflora is used both as an ornamental plant and occasionally as a minor source of nicotine, although it does not have the same commercial meaning as the cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).

Origin and distribution

The home of Nicotiana longiflora is located in the subtropical and tropical regions of South America, especially in countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. In these regions it grows wildly in open, dry landscapes and is adapted to a variety of floors. Due to its decorative value and simple cultivation, it has also found its way into gardens in other parts of the world and is cultivated there as an ornamental plant.

Morphology

Nicotiana longiflora is a one -year to short -lived several years of plant that can reach a height of 60 to 90 cm. It is characterized by its slim, long, tubular flowers, which reach a length of up to 10 cm. The flowers are usually white or light green and have a star -shaped opening. These striking, fragrant flowers make the plant particularly attractive for pollinators, especially moths that are attracted to their intensive fragrance at night.

The leaves of Nicotiana longiflora are elongated, softly hairy and sticky. They are typically light green and reach a length of about 10 to 15 cm. The sticky texture of the leaves is a defense measure against herbivores because it can ward off insects and other small animals. This is a typical feature of many Nicotiana species that produce poisonous alkaloids such as nicotine as defenses.

Ecology and pollination

The flowers of Nicotiana longiflora are very fragrant and mainly open in the evening and night hours. This adaptation indicates that the plant is mainly pollinated by nocturnal pollares like moths. The long flowers and the intensive fragrance are characteristics that are typical of pollination by moths, since these insects have long trunks to reach the nectar from the deep flowers.

In her homeland in South America, Nicotiana longiflora plays an important role in the preservation of pollinator populations by providing nectar for night -active insects. In addition, the plant contributes to biodiversity in the ecosystems in which it grows because it occurs in open and disturbed landscapes, where it can serve as a pioneering plant.

Cultivation and care

Due to her decorative, fragrant flowers, Nicotiana longiflora is often grown in ornamental gardens. It prefers well -permeable soils and sunny to partially shaded locations. Although it tolerates a certain drought, it is best grown with regular irrigation. In moderate climates, the plant is often cultivated as a one -year summer plant because it is sensitive to frost. In warmer climate zones, however, it can survive as a short -lived perennial.

The propagation is usually done by seeds that are easy to germinate. The seeds of Nicotiana longiflora are very fine and should only be easily covered with earth. They germinate quickly under warm conditions and the plants can bloom within a few weeks. Since the flowers are mainly nocturnal, Nicotiana longiflora is often used in evening gardens where her fragrance and her nightly bloom come into its own.

Ingredients and use

Like many other types of the genus Nicotiana, Nicotiana longiflora Nicotin, a strong alkaloid that is poisonous in high doses. The nicotine serves the plant as a protective mechanism against predators because it has a deterrent effect on herbivores. Although Nicotiana Longliflora contains nicotine, it is not used on a large scale for nicotine production. The concentrations in the leaves are usually lower than in the commercially grown tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum).

In traditional use in South America, Nicotiana longiflora was occasionally used for ritual purposes, but far less than other Nicotiana species. Today it is mainly known as an ornamental plant, and its use in tobacco production or in medicine is insignificant.