Wild Tobacco

Nicotiana glauca

NEMBA: Category 1b

English: Wild Tobacco, Tree Tobacco, Coneton, Mexican Tobacco, Mustard Tree, Tree Tobacco

Afrikaans: Jan-tak, Tabakboom, Wildetabak, Volstruisgifboom

N. Sotho: mohlafotha

Tswana: tabaka bume

Nicotiana glauca, commonly known as Wild Tobacco or Tree Tobacco, is a tall, shrubby perennial plant native to South America. It is characterised by its bluish-green, oval-shaped leaves and tubular, yellow flowers that bloom in clusters.

Despite its striking appearance, it is considered an invasive alien species in South Africa. It spreads rapidly through wind-dispersed seeds, often colonising disturbed areas, riverbanks, and roadsides.

Its ability to thrive in arid conditions and poor soils, coupled with its toxicity to livestock and humans, makes it a significant threat to local biodiversity and agricultural land. It out-competes native vegetation, particularly in savannas and semi-arid regions, disrupting ecosystems.

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Origins: Argentina, Bolivia, Peru

Overall Appearance: A fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree that can form dense thickets. Can reach heights of 3-8 meters.

Leaves: Large, lance-shaped leaves, 10-30 cm long. Covered in a sticky, glandular substance.

Flowers: Yellow, tubular flowers arranged in clusters at the ends of branches. Flowers year-round in suitable climates.

Fruits: Small, brown capsules containing numerous small seeds.

Seeds: Numerous, small, and easily dispersed by wind and water.

Bark: Greyish-brown bark that becomes rough and fissured with age.

Wood: Soft, brittle wood.

Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor and rocky soils.

Aspect: Full sun to partial shade.

Poisonous Parts: All parts of the plant are poisonous. Contains toxic alkaloids that can be harmful to livestock and humans.

Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa, particularly in warmer regions.

Note: Tree Tobacco is a highly invasive species in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and alter ecosystem processes. It can also poison livestock and pose a risk to human health.

Friendly alternatives:

Wild Dagga

Leonotis leonurus

Plant type:

Tree or shrub

Plant family:

Solanaceae (Latin plant name) - Order: Solanales