Bomuldsplanternes

Bomuldsplanternes refers to plants belonging to the genus Gossypium, commonly known as cotton plants. These are perennial herbs or shrubs, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The most commercially important species is Gossypium hirsutum, which accounts for approximately 90% of world cotton production. Other significant species include Gossypium barbadense, known for its long, fine fibers, and Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium herbaceum, which are more common in Asia.

The defining characteristic of cotton plants is the soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the plant. This fiber is primarily composed of cellulose, a natural polymer. When the cotton bolls mature, they burst open, exposing the fluffy fiber. This fiber is then harvested, either by hand or mechanically, and processed to remove seeds and impurities before being spun into yarn for use in textiles.

Cotton plants are dicotyledonous and belong to the family Malvaceae, which also includes plants like okra and hibiscus. They typically have large, lobed leaves and produce showy, often white or yellow flowers that turn reddish-pink as they mature. The fruit of the plant is a capsule, the boll, which contains the seeds and the cotton fibers. Cotton cultivation requires warm temperatures, ample sunlight, and a significant amount of water, though some varieties are more drought-tolerant.