There is disagreement over the correct spelling of the generic name. The Flora of China[] and a number of other authorities spells it Ambroma, based on Fosberg (Micronesica 2: 150. 1966), but we have followed the treatment in GRIN and other recent works[].

Common Name: Cotton Abroma

General Information

Cotton abroma is a large, spreading shrub or small tree sometimes growing up to 10 metres tall, but more generally 1 - 4 metres when in cultivation[].
The plant provides a high quality fibre that is mainly used locally. It also has local medicinal uses. Often harvested from the wild, it is also sometimes cultivated in tropical areas as a fibre crop and is sometimes grown as an ornamental[, ].

Known Hazards

The plant has irritating hairs[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to Micronesia.

Habitat

Forest margins, valley gullies in southern China[]. Open, dry places at elevations from 300 - 1,100 metres in Nepal[]. Commonly found in tufts or tickets, often seeming to prefer the edges of forests and clearings or the banks of watercourses[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,200 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 26 - 31°c, but can tolerate 18 - 36°c[].It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,500 - 3,000mm, but tolerates 1,300 - 3,500mm, and dislikes marked dry seasons[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained, growing best in a fertile, medium loam[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6, tolerating 4.5 - 6.5[].
For the best quality fibre, the plant should be harvested when the flowers open - after about 100 - 120 days of growth[].
The plant yields three crops a year, and is said to be more easily cultivated than jute (Corchorus spp.) or sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea)[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fresh viscid sap of the root bark is considered to be a valuable emmenagogue and uterine tonic[]. The juice of the plant is used to treat dysmenorrhoea[, ].
The root has been used to treat itch[]

Used in the treatment of diabetes[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used in soil reclamation projects[].

Other Uses

A high quality fibre is obtained from the bark[, ]. Soft, glossy, strong, white, and clean, it is much valued for local uses[, ]. It might be used as a substitute for silk[]. Similar to jute (Corchorus spp.), it is a good cordage fibre used for making ropes, nets etc[, , ]. It is also used for false hair[]. The bark is retted in water, taking about a week before the fibres can be removed[].

Propagation

Seed -

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