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does the Nicotiana sylvestris (or closely related plants) bear fruit

Spain

we live in Southern Spain and a friend has a tobacco plant which has sprouted some kind of "fruit" is this common and are these fruits edible?


On plant Nicotiana sylvestris


Answers

 

Hi Peter. The tobacco plant certainly flowers and seeds and, being into exotics I've long wanted to try them. But of course in the UK it can really only be grown as an annual so I've never tried. So I'm guessing that these are seed pods and, in common with all other tobacco products will probably be toxic. I suspect in the case of seeds, extremely toxic. I've had a look on a couple of medical sites, known only to the trade, but I'm afraid they don't cover the horticulture bit. But like most doctors (even retired ones) I would advise most strongly against ingesting.

John.

27 Nov, 2008

 

That photo isn't a Nicotiana, though - is it? Certainly not N. sylvestris. It looks like a climbing plant.

27 Nov, 2008

 

Hi Spritz. I answered this as a retired medic then later (after reading your post) did the horticultural research. My scientific method was perfect as a Dr but useless as an horticulturalist. I've had a look now and I agree. The N. sylvestris does produce pods but there are loads of them, all small, and the leaves are different. This may be related to the Nicotania family but it isn't sylvestris. I stick to my advice though - don't eat them. I'm sure we have no disagreement at all. LOL.

John

27 Nov, 2008

 

Just had a look. Nicotiana glauca is related to the morning glory and is known as the climbing tobacco tree. That's your baby. I repeat, don't eat it.

John.

27 Nov, 2008

 

That is a Stephanotis or Madagascar Jasmine. Beautiful fragrant flowers but nothing to eat in those fruit. Heaps of seeds. Come up all over the place.

2 Jan, 2011

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