how many types of leaf?

[tecnorobo]

I've done a search on google, and the forums for this w/out much help to my question(s) so here it is.

This question is relatively broad so maybe i'll divide it up into a few different questions.

I obviously know that there are many different types of leaf.
You have the three main leaves that make up the cigar.

the filler leaf,
the binder leaf
and the wrapper leaf.

Then you also have different variation of leaf, where it's grown, leaf seperated by color... fermentation process, you get the point.

Here are some of my questions.

What makes filler leaf, filler leaf/ Binder leaf, binder leaf,/ and wrapper leaf, wrapper leaf?
How do cigar manufacturers desiginate these leaves.

I have little understanding about the actual tobacco plant itself and the seperation of leaves from the individual plant.
For example- If memory serves me right, ligero leaf is grown towards the bottom of the plant. What are the other sections of the plant called? How can a leaf from the top of the plant be different in flavor from the leaf on the bottom?

I think that may be it for now (haha that's still a lot).
I may add on to this later.

sorry if this info can be found somewhere... i just haven't found where yet.

[SeanGAR]

http://www.cigarselector.com/tobacco-plant.html

[tecnorobo]

ahh rapture, thanks for the link sean.

[Eternal Rider]

Look for the Spring Edtion of Cigar Magazine it has a article on black tobacoo from seed to cigar. If you can't find it let me know I can send you my copy.

[cquon]

Thanks to you and Seangar, Rob. Very informative link.

[adamh_25_]

haha
Adam