Tobacco

Tobacco, plant of the nightshade family (especially genus Nicotiana); also, the dried and cured leaves of the plant, used for smoking and chewing and as snuff. Native to America, tobacco was introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century and from there spread to Asia and Africa. Today the United States remains the world's largest producer, followed by China, India, and the former USSR. Consumption is increasing despite the health hazards of smoking. Tobacco is grown in alluvial or sandy soils and may be harvested after about 4 months. Cultivation is dependent on hand labor.