Cotton (
Gossypium spp) are plants belonging to the mallow family, Malvaceae. There are 32 different species of
Gossypium, although
G. hirsutum is the most commonly grown for commercial purposes. Cotton plants are perennial shrubs that produce flowers that look similar to a hibiscus. Cotton attributes:
- height: up to 6 ft (2 m) tall
- Stem: Semi-woody
- Leaves: 3-5 lobed leaves, 2 - 4 in ( 4 - 10 cm) in length.
- Flowers: Yellow to purplish pink showy flowers.
- Fruit: Smooth, light green capsules about 1.5 in (3.75 cm) in length, that contains many brown seeds that are wrapped in a whitish fuzz-like substance. When mature, capsules open to reveal and spread the seeds inside.
Toxic components
Cottonseeds are toxic to poultry if eaten. The main toxin is gossypol, a poisonous phenolic compound that chickens are particularly sensitive to.
