American pima cotton
Gossypium barbadense
Synonyms: Gossypium barbadense f. casimiranum, Gossypium calycotum, Gossypium brasiliense var. apospermum, Gossypium barbadense var. vitifolium, Hibiscus barbadensis var. latifolius, Gossypium barbadense subvar. vitifolium, Hibiscus barbadensis, Gossypium jamaicense f. fruticulosum, Neogossypium barbadense, Gossypium maritimum, Gossypium trichospermum, Hibiscus barbadensis f. oligospermus, Gossypium peruvianum var. braziliense, Gossypium maritimum var. polycarpum, Gossypium teleium, Gossypium barbadense var. rufum, Gossypium barbadense var. microcarpum, Gossypium barbadense var. apospermum, Gossypium barbadense subsp. peruvianum, Gossypium barbadense var. eubarbadense, Gossypium acuminatum, Gossypium virgatum, Gossypium peruvianum var. sprucei, Gossypium microcarpum var. rufum, Gossypium nigrum, Gossypium peruvianum var. nigrum, Gossypium speciosum, Gossypium barbadense var. integrum, Gossypium barbadense subsp. microcarpum, Gossypium lapideum subsp. brasiliense, Gossypium multiglandulosum, Hibiscus barbadensis var. lanceolatum, Gossypium barbadense var. caravonicum, Gossypium pallens, Gossypium pedatum, Gossypium barbadense subsp. vitifolium, Gossypium tenax, Gossypium isabelum, Gossypium barbadense subvar. maritimum, Gossypium barbadense f. maritimum, Gossypium barbadense var. pedatum, Hibiscus barbadensis f. racemosus, Gossypium peruvianum subsp. sprucei, Gossypium guyanense, Gossypium niveum, Gossypium peruvianum subsp. nigrum, Hibiscus fruticulosus, Gossypium barbadense f. eggersii, Gossypium barbadense var. brasiliense, Gossypium frutescens var. maritimum, Gossypium barbadense var. acuminatum, Gossypium lapideum, Gossypium sarmentosum, Gossypium jumelianum, Gossypium barbadense subsp. typicum, Gossypium auritum, Gossypium barbadense subsp. racemosum, Gossypium barbadense subvar. peruvianum, Gossypium barbadense f. suffruticosum, Hibiscus barbadensis deciduus, Gossypium arboreum subsp. perenne, Gossypium peruvianum var. brasiliense, Gossypium nankin, Gossypium quinacre, Gossypium versicolor, Gossypium peruvianum subsp. racemosum, Gossypium evertum, Gossypium guyanense var. brasiliense, Gossypium barbadense var. maritimum, Gossypium cambayense, Gossypium glabrum, Gossypium peruvianum, Gossypium perenne, Hibiscus barbadensis f. fruticulosus, Gossypium peruvianum var. apospermum, Gossypium microcarpum, Gossypium barbadense subsp. sprucei, Gossypium rupestre, Gossypium brasiliense, Gossypium fruticulosum, Gossypium barbadense var. cayanense, Gossypium barbadense var. peruvianum, Gossypium barbadense f. vitifolium, Gossypium peruvianum var. glabrum, Gossypium herbaceum var. vitifolium, Gossypium peruvianum subsp. typicum, Gossypium microcarpum var. luxurians, Gossypium pubescens, Gossypium racemosum, Gossypium peruvianum var. racemosum, Gossypium rohrianum, Gossypium virens, Gossypium suffruticosum
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Gossypium barbadense, commonly called American pima cotton or Sea Island cotton, is an evergreen shrub in the Malvaceae family growing to approximately 3 m tall and 2.5 m wide at a fast rate in warm climates. The plant produces alternate, palmately three- to five-lobed leaves on long petioles and large solitary yellow flowers with a characteristic dark red or purple basal spot, opening in summer and giving way to capsular fruits (bolls) that split at maturity to expose long, silky white cotton fibres (3-5 cm staple length) attached to black seeds. The species originated in South America—probably Peru and Ecuador—where it was independently domesticated for fibre at least 5,000 years ago, and is now cultivated pantropically for its premium extra-long staple cotton. It requires full sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil, and is intolerant of shade and strong winds. The seeds yield gossypol, a polyphenolic compound studied for its antifertility and antiparasitic activity.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
In Latin American and Caribbean traditional medicine, Gossypium barbadense leaves have been used to treat high blood pressure, abdominal cramps, painful menstruation, and painful ovaries, and to assist with the expulsion of the afterbirth (Duke, 2008). Infusions of the root bark have been employed to manage menstrual difficulties and to strengthen the uterus, while seeds have been administered for thrush in infants and for diarrhea (Morton, 1981). The pressed seed material contains gossypol, historically investigated as a male contraceptive (Duke, 2008).
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.