Graafian follicles

Gossypium hirsutum, also known as Upland cotton or Mexican cotton, is a species of cotton native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and southern Florida. It is the most widely planted species of cotton in the United States, constituting some 95% of all cotton production.

Description

Gossypium hirsutum is a perennial plant that typically grows to 1–2 meters in height. It has broad, three-lobed leaves and produces yellow flowers with a purple center. The cotton bolls, which contain the plant's seeds and fibres, are harvested for the production of cotton textiles.

Cultivation

Gossypium hirsutum is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a heat-loving plant and requires a long, frost-free growing season to produce high-quality cotton. The plant is typically grown from seed, which is sown in the spring after the last frost. The cotton bolls are harvested in the fall, after they have opened to reveal the fluffy cotton fibres.

Uses

The primary use of Gossypium hirsutum is for the production of cotton textiles. The cotton fibres are harvested from the bolls and then spun into thread or yarn, which can be woven or knitted into fabric. The seeds of the plant are also used to produce cottonseed oil, which is used in cooking and in the production of margarine and shortening.

Economic Importance

Gossypium hirsutum is of significant economic importance, particularly in the United States, where it is the primary species of cotton grown. The plant is also grown commercially in other countries, including China, India, and Brazil. The global cotton industry, which is largely based on Gossypium hirsutum, is worth billions of dollars annually.

See Also

• Cotton
• Cotton production in the United States
• Cottonseed oil
• Textile industry