Nicotiana megalosiphon – Native Tobacco (seed)

Description

Nicotiana megalosiphon is a native tobacco species widespread in central and SE QLD and northern NSW. Herb to 90 cm, densely pubescent with glandular hairs. Grows in sand, loam or clay, in Acacia and Eucalypt woodland, often in disturbed areas.  Info at FloraSA. A beautiful native tobacco species that would have good horticultural potential. Scented flowers at night like the majority of Australian Nicotiana.

Nicotiana megalosiphon is also a very useful plant for virus research. The superiority of N. megalosiphon as a host and source of Potato Virus A (PVA) was associated with a high virus concentration in tissues. N. megalosiphon is an important new host of PVA because it facilitates the routine transmission of the virus and other manipulations essential for efficient research on control of the virus disease. Source here.

Nicotiana megalosiphon has been investigated for insecticidal activity against major crop pests; the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) and the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). Aqueous extracts (1%, 5% and 10% w/v) of N. megalosiphon gave up to 100% control of P. xylostella; better than the recommended rate of tau-fluvalinate (a synthetic pyrethroid) or equivalent extracts of a second Australian native plant, Mentha satureioides. Treatment with N. megalosiphon also gave 100% control of B. brassicae at the highest two concentrations, and of M. persicae at the highest concentration. Source here.

Care and Cultivation of Nicotiana megalosiphon

Nicotiana megalosiphon does not require any special treatment to germinate. Simply sow Nicotiana megalosiphon like other tobacco seeds (sprinkle on the surface of a good quality sandy/well drained potting mix and water in gently. A soil mix high in inorganic materials like sand, pumice, gravel etc is preferable. Germination will occur within 7-21 days. Keep moist until germination. Likes plenty of roots pace in a sandy/well drained position. Full sun. Drought tolerant.

Approx 25+ seeds per packet