Cottonii

Cottonii is a Latinized species epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms. In binomial nomenclature, the ending -ii often denotes an honorific intended to recognize a person with the surname Cotton; as such, cottonii is not itself a taxon but part of a species name. The epithet appears in multiple genera, reflecting its use as an eponym rather than a single, unified group.

One of the best-known uses is in seaweed taxonomy. Eucheuma cottonii was historically cited as a source of carrageenan, a versatile hydrocolloid used as a thickener and stabilizer. In many modern classifications, this taxon is treated as Kappaphycus cottonii, reflecting taxonomic revisions based on morphology and molecular data. The organism is a tropical Indo-Pacific red alga that grows in shallow coastal waters and contributes to carrageenan production for food, cosmetics, and other applications.

Carrageenans extracted from cottonii-bearing species are valued for their gelling and thickening properties. Kappaphycus- or Eucheuma-derived carrageenan is widely used in dairy products, processed meats, beverages, and personal care items, with the specific carrageenan type often linked to the taxonomic identity of the source alga.

Because cottonii is an epithet employed across different genera, there is no single “cottonii” species. Instead, cottonii appears in diverse, unrelated lineages as an honorific naming convention, underscoring its role as a historical reference rather than a standalone taxon.