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Description
Gossypium Herbaceum, commonly known as Levant cotton or Egyptian cotton, is a shrub that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to Africa and Arabia, but is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world for its high-quality cotton fiber. The plant can grow up to 2-4 meters in height and has a deep taproot system. The leaves are broad and lobed, while the flowers are large, showy, and usually white or yellow in color. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains cotton seeds and fibers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Gossypium |
| Species | Gossypium Herbaceum |
Appearance
Gossypium Herbaceum is a shrub that can grow up to 2-4 meters in height. It has a deep taproot system that helps it to survive in dry and arid regions. The leaves are broad and lobed, and can vary in size from 3-6 cm in length. The flowers are large, showy, and usually white or yellow in color, with a diameter of 4-6 cm. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains cotton seeds and fibers. The fibers are soft, fluffy, and usually white or pale yellow in color.
Care Guide
Gossypium Herbaceum is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:Water: Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, but prefers slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: Gossypium Herbaceum requires full sunlight to grow and thrive.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gossypium Herbaceum is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be affected by a range of diseases, including fungal leaf spot, bacterial blight, and wilt. To prevent these diseases, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and avoid overcrowding. The plant can also be affected by pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control these pests.
Habitat
Gossypium Herbaceum is native to Africa and Arabia, but is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It grows best in warm, dry, and sunny climates, and can tolerate a range of soil types. The plant is often grown as a cash crop for its high-quality cotton fiber.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gossypium Herbaceum be grown indoors?
A: No, the plant requires full sunlight and is not suitable for indoor growing.Q: How long does it take for Gossypium Herbaceum to mature?
A: The plant typically takes around 5-6 months to mature and produce cotton fiber.Q: Is Gossypium Herbaceum a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Gossypium Herbaceum is a perennial plant that can live for several years.Q: Is Gossypium Herbaceum a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, the plant has a deep taproot system that helps it to survive in dry and arid regions.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same genus as Gossypium Herbaceum:
- Gossypium Barbadense
- Gossypium Hirsutum
- Gossypium Arboreum
References
- “Gossypium Herbaceum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287272.
- “Gossypium Herbaceum.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 5, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:318180-2.
- “Egyptian Cotton: Gossypium Herbaceum L.” Agroforestry World. Accessed August 5, 2021. https://www.agroforestryworld.com/egyptian-cotton-gossypium-herbaceum-l/.
