Gossypium herbaceum, commonly known as Levant cotton, is one of several cotton species cultivated by humans. This plant belongs to the Malvaceae family and holds a long history as an “Old World” or Asiatic cotton species, utilized for millennia for its fibers and other products.
Botanical Description and Habitat
Levant cotton grows as a small, perennial shrub, reaching heights of 60 to 180 centimeters (2 to 6 feet). Its leaves are broad, hairy, and exhibit a lobed, maple-like appearance, with heart-shaped bases and reddish-tinged petioles. The flowers are small and yellow with a purple or reddish spot at their center. After flowering, the plant produces globular pods called bolls, which split open when ripe to reveal cotton fibers surrounding the seeds.
This species is native to the semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where it is found growing in the wild. It thrives in seasonally dry tropical and subtropical climates, requiring a long, hot summer and full sun exposure. Levant cotton grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soils but does not tolerate frost.
Traditional and Modern Applications
Historically, Gossypium herbaceum was a source of short-staple cotton fiber, used in textile production. The fibers, about 25 millimeters (1 inch) long, consist primarily of cellulose. These fibers are spun into yarns and woven into fabrics, valued for their comfortable, breathable properties and ease of dyeing.
The seeds of Levant cotton also have uses. They contain up to 20% oil and 20% protein, making them a source for food and animal feed. Cottonseed oil, an edible oil, is extracted and used in cooking, salad dressings, and in the manufacture of margarine and shortening. The remaining seed cake, or cottonseed meal, serves as a protein concentrate for livestock, while hulls are used as roughage.
Traditionally, parts of Gossypium herbaceum have been employed in folk remedies, particularly in indigenous medicine systems like Unani and Ayurveda. Traditional applications include uses for:
Women’s menstrual cycle pains and irregular bleeding
Aiding in expelling the placenta after birth
Gastrointestinal issues like hemorrhages and diarrhea
Nausea, fevers, and headaches
It is important to note that these are historical and traditional uses and are not endorsed as medical practices.
Comparison to Other Cotton Species
Gossypium herbaceum differs from more commercially dominant cotton species, such as Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). One difference lies in fiber characteristics; G. herbaceum produces short-staple fibers. In contrast, G. hirsutum yields longer fibers, contributing to higher textile quality.
Agricultural yield is another factor. Gossypium hirsutum has a higher fiber yield and thrives better in diverse environments compared to G. herbaceum. This difference in productivity and adaptability explains why Upland cotton accounts for over 90% of global commercial cotton production, while G. herbaceum and G. arboreum together constitute a much smaller percentage, around 5%. Additionally, G. hirsutum has been bred for improved disease resistance, whereas G. herbaceum is susceptible to pests like bollworms and diseases like rots and wilts.