Cotton - this ancient cultivated plant has been used as a basis for the manufacture of textiles for many centuries. Cotton fibers are obtained from their seed hairs. But not all cotton is the same…

The cotton species Gossypium arboreum inspires with its beautiful yellow flowers

4 species among more than 50 species

There are currently around 50 types of cotton that find their home in the tropics and subtropics. There are both annual and perennial specimens. However, only 4 species are of cultural importance today.

Gossypium hirsutum

Also known as Highland Cotton or Upland Cotton, this species accounts for 90% of world production. This makes it the most important supplier of cotton fibers. It is grown all over the world.

Gossypium hirsutum is native to America. The plant grows between 150 and 200 cm high. Its flowers are white to yellowish and blush as they fade. The fibers of this cotton are 25 to 30 mm long. The longer fibers are colored white and the shorter fibers light gray.

Gossypium herbaceum

The second most important type of cotton is called Gossypium herbaceum or Levante cotton. It probably comes from Southwest Asia and is now mainly cultivated in China, India and Pakistan.

This species is usually cultivated as an annual. Their fibers are short and coarse. It is therefore considered to be of lesser quality. The plant reaches a height of up to 150 cm. The petals of its flowers are yellowish with a reddish spot at the base.

Gossypium arboreum

These are the characteristics of Gossypium arboreum (Tree cotton):

  • originating from India and Sri Lanka
  • bushy to tree-like growth
  • Growing 2 to 3 m tall
  • perennial
  • yellow flowers
  • provides long white fibers and short fibers

Gossypium barbadense

Here are the characteristics of the fourth species, which is mainly grown in India, Peru and Egypt:

  • Growing 2 to 3 m tall
  • shrub or subshrub
  • Flowers: light yellow with dark red spots
  • accounts for 8% of the world harvest
  • has fibers with a length of more than 32 mm
  • used for the production of high-quality textiles
  • other names: Sea Island cotton, Pima cotton

tips

None of the four types of cotton are suitable for outdoor cultivation in our latitudes. In the warm apartment, however, you can give it a try.

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Herbs