Tree cotton is an old type of cotton plant known for growing like a small tree or large bush. For thousands of years, people have grown it to get its soft fibers, which they then spin into thread to make clothes and other fabrics.
Names
Scientific
Gossypium arboreum
English
Tree cotton
Dutch
Boomkatoen
French
Cotonnier en arbre
Taxonomy
Order
Malvales
Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Gossypium
Species
Gossypium arboreum (Tree cotton)
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, with extensive cultivation spreading across Asia and parts of Africa.
Distribution:
Historically widely distributed across tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa. Its commercial production has largely been overshadowed by other cotton species like Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense. It can still be found in home gardens and traditional agricultural systems.
Annual, biennial, or perennial:
Perennial shrub or small tree, though it can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Flowers:
Typically yellow or reddish-purple, often with a purple spot at the base of each petal. They are relatively large and showy, typical of the mallow family (Malvaceae).
Leaves:
Deeply lobed, usually with 3 to 7 prominent lobes, and a shape that resembles a maple leaf. They are green and generally hairy.
Fruits:
A capsule or “boll” that splits open at maturity to release the cotton fibers and seeds. The bolls are typically smaller than those of commercial cotton species.
Climate and weather:
Prefers tropical and subtropical climates with a warm growing season, ample sunshine, and moderate to high rainfall. It is somewhat drought-tolerant once established but performs best with consistent moisture. It cannot tolerate frost.
Pollination:
Primarily insect-pollinated, especially by bees and other generalist pollinators.
Height:
Can grow as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 2 to 5 meters (6.5 to 16 feet), depending on variety and growing conditions.
Spacing:
When cultivated, spacing can vary, but generally 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) between plants is suitable.
Propagation:
Primarily propagated by seeds.
Insect pests:
Susceptible to common cotton pests such as bollworms, aphids, whiteflies, and leafworms. Pest management is crucial for successful cultivation.
Diseases:
Can be affected by various fungal diseases like rust, damping-off, and root rot, especially in humid conditions. Bacterial blight is another potential concern.
Harvesting:
Cotton bolls are harvested when they split open and the fibers are fully exposed and fluffy. This is typically done by hand, often in multiple pickings as bolls mature at different rates.
Uses:
The primary use is for its fibers, which are spun into yarn for textiles, clothing, and other fabric products. The fibers are generally shorter and coarser than modern cotton varieties. The seeds yield an oil that can be used for cooking or industrial purposes. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant have been used for their medicinal properties.
Crop categories
Fiber crops
Minor crops
Subtropical crops
Tropical crops