Gossypium tomentosum Nutt. ex Seem.

Scientific Name and Growth Form

Maʻo, scientifically Gossypium tomentosum Nutt. ex Seem., is a shrub that grows 1.5–5 ft (0.46–1.52 m) in height and 5–10 ft (1.5–3.0 m) in diameter.

Seed Hair Characteristics

Its seed hairs, called lint, are short and reddish brown, and are unsuitable for spinning or twisting into thread.

Flower Features and Bloom Period

Its flowers are bright yellow, have 3–5 lobes, and bloom from late summer to winter.

Distribution Range

This species is found on all main Hawaiian islands except Hawai'i, also known as the Big Island.

Habitat and Elevation

It inhabits low shrublands at elevations ranging from sea level to 120 m (390 ft).

Colonization Origin

Its ancestor likely reached the Hawaiian islands from the Americas as a seed, carried by wind, in bird droppings, or as part of floating debris.

Salt Resistance Trait

Because it grows in habitats close to the ocean, it has a higher salt resistance than other cotton species.

Persistent Cultivar Development Use

Gossypium tomentosum has been cross-bred with other cotton plants to develop a more persistent cultivated cotton variety.

Salt Resilient Cultivar Development Use

It has also been used in cross-breeding to create cotton varieties with greater salt resilience.

Pollination Research Application

It has additionally been studied for its potential to improve the consistency of pollination in cotton.