Upland cotton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upland cotton |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gossypium
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| Species: |
hirsutum
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Gossypium hirsutum, also known as upland cotton or Mexican cotton, is the most common type of cotton grown around the world. About 90% of all cotton produced globally comes from this species. In the United States, which is the biggest exporter of cotton, about 95% of all cotton grown is upland cotton. This plant originally comes from Mexico, the West Indies, northern South America, Central America, and possibly tropical Florida.
A Look Back in Time
Scientists have found old evidence in the Tehuacan Valley in Mexico that shows people were growing upland cotton as far back as 3,500 BC. This is the earliest sign of cotton farming found in the Americas so far! We don't know exactly where it was first grown by people, but it has been used for a very long time.
Different Kinds of Upland Cotton
Upland cotton includes many different types, called cultivars. These types have different fiber lengths and can grow well in various conditions. Some types have longer fibers, and these are called "long staple upland" cotton. Other types have shorter fibers, known as "short staple upland" cotton. The long staple varieties are the ones most often grown for making products.
More Than Just Fabric
Besides being used to make soft fibers for clothes, upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and another type called Gossypium herbaceum are also used to make cottonseed oil. This oil can be used in cooking and other products.
The Zuni people, a Native American tribe, use this plant in special ways. They make ceremonial clothes from it, and they also use the soft fuzz from the plant to make cords for their ceremonies.
This plant also produces something called extrafloral nectar. This is a sweet liquid that comes from parts of the plant other than the flowers. It can attract insects that help protect the plant.
See also
In Spanish: Algodón de tierras altas o algodón mexicano para niños
