Common Name: Short-Staple American Cotton

General Information

Short-staple American cotton is an annual to perennial plant growing around 1.5 metres tall.
The plant is a minor source of cotton, it is sometimes cultivated for this fibre in Africa, the Middle East and India[, ]. It also has a wide range of medicinal, food and other uses.

Known Hazards

The plant, and especially the oil from the seed, contains gossypol. It is believed that this substance, when ingested, causes reduced sperm levels and infertility in men[, ].

Botanical References

Range

Probably originating in S. Africa, it is only known in cultivation.

Habitat

Not known in the wild

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Short-staple American cotton can be grown in the dry to moist tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations up to 2,200 metres. For commercial production it requires a climate that has a long, hot growing season with abundant moisture, followed by a drier period for harvesting the seed floss[]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 26 - 36°c, but can tolerate 18 - 38°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 750 - 1,250mm, but tolerates 200 - 1,500mm[].
Prefers a very sunny position in a light, fertile soil[]. Plants can tolerate a range of well-drained soils, including moderate levels of salt[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7.2, tolerating 5.3 - 8.5[]. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds[].

Edible Uses

Seed - roasted[].
The roasted seed can be used as a coffee substitute[].
An oil is obtained from the seed[]. Used in salads or as a cooking oil[]. The oil is also used in the manufacture of margarines, vegetable shortenings, lard substitutes etc[]. The oil contains a substance called gossypol which is believed to lower male fertility and cause infertility[]. The gossypol is usually removed before the oil is used for edible purposes[].

Leaves[].

Medicinal

Cotton is an astringent, slightly acidic, aromatic herb that causes uterine contractions, depresses sperm production, lowers fever, reduces inflammation and soothes irritated tissue[]. It also has antiviral and antibacterial actions[].

The root bark contains gossypol and flavonoids[]. It is seldom used in modern herbalism, but has been used as a milder and safer alternative to ergot (Claviceps purpurea) for inducing uterine contractions in order to speed a difficult labour[]. It can induce an abortion or the onset of a period, and reduces total menstrual flow[]. It has also been taken internally in the treatment of painful menstruation[]. The root bark also encourages an increased milk flow in nursing mothers and blood clotting[].
The roots are harvested at the end of the growing season, peeled and dried[].

The seeds are taken internally in the treatment of dysentery, intermittent fever and fibroids[].
Externally, the seeds are used to treat herpes, scabies, wounds and orchitis[].
The oil obtained from the seed contains a substance known as gossypol. This has the effect of lowering sperm production and possibly causing infertility in males[]. Research has been carried out into its potential use as a male contraceptive[]. It can be used to reduce heavy menstrual flow and in the treatment of endometriosis[].

The leaves are taken internally in the treatment of gastroenteritis[]. Externally, the leaves are used to treat thrush, scalds, bruises and sores[]. The leaves are harvested as required during the growing season[].

Other Uses

The floss contained in the seedpod is used to make fibre for clothing and many other applications[]. Cotton fibres have a wide range of used including making clothes; rubber-tyre fabrics; stuffing material for pillows, cushions etc; surgical dressings; making twine and ropes; carpets etc[].

The plant stems can be used for making paper[].

A semi-drying oil obtained from the seeds is used for making soap[, ].

An extract of the buds is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].
The fixed oil obtained from the seeds is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].
An extract of the seedcake is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner and UV absorber[].
The powder derived from the cotton fibre is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an absorbent and opacifyer[].
The essential oil obtained from the fruitt is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a masking agent[].
The essential oil obtained from the flowers is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an emollient[].

The oil cake residue can be used as a fertilizer[].

Yellow and brown dyes can be obtained from the petals[].

Propagation

Seed -

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many fingers does the typical human have?