American cotton
Cotton is grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Cotton is made from the hairs that cover the seeds of the cotton plant. These seed-hairs are an adaption to wind dispersal.
There are approximately 50 species of cotton. One species, American cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), covers about 90 % of the industry’s need for cotton fiber. The finest cotton is obtained from another species, Barbados cotton (Gossypium barbadense) because it has the longest fibers.
Cotton is an ancient crop that has been grown for over 5000 years. The cotton fibers are made of cellulose. They are inexpensive and strong, and many people prefer cotton to synthetic fabrics out of concern for the environment, but also because it is more comfortable.
Before World War II, cotton was grown without the use of pesticides. Today, so many pesticides are used in the cotton fields that around 24 % of the world’s total pesticide consumption goes to cotton production.
Fact box:
- Greenhouse location: The Dessert House
- Danish name: Amerikansk bomuld
- Latin name: Gossypium hirsutum
- Family: The Mallow family / Malvaceae
- Natural habitat: Central and South America