The chief commercial species, N. tabacum, is believed native to tropical America. The tobacco plant is a coarse, large-leaved perennial, but it is usually cultivated as an annual.
Tobacco requires a warm climate and rich, well-drained soil.
After being picked, the leaves are cured, fermented, and aged to develop aroma. The use of tobacco originated among natives of the New World in pre-Columbian times. Introduced into Spain and Portugal in the mid-16th cent. Additional Resources usters Culture Jammers Headquarters - Spoofs of ads, including some highly entertaining looks at cigarette advertising. Chemicals - List of chemicals found in cigarette smoke.