Family:  Malvaceae
Scientific name:  Gossypium species
Common name:  Cotton

Native of:  Tropical and subtropical regions around the world

Greenhouse location:  Room C

Cultivated cottons can grow 3 to 6.5 feet in height. Although cotton is a perennial shrub, it is usually grown as an annual when planted as a crop.

Cotton fibers are found in the seed capsules or "bolls." The process of separating fibers from seeds is called "ginning." During the first ginning, the staples (long fibers) are removed and used to create thread and yarn woven into high-quality fabrics. The linters (short fibers) are separated out during the second ginning for low-quality cloth. The seeds are used to produce cottonseed oil or may be used for planting.

Cotton fibers naturally occur in white, brown, green, and some blending. The Jordan Hall greenhouse plants produce white fibers.