Gossypium barbadense

Gossypium barbadense is one of several species of cotton. It is in the mallow family. It has been cultivated since antiquity, but has been especially prized since a form with particularly long fibers was developed in the 19th century. Other names associated with this species include Sea Island, Egyptian, Pima, and extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. The species is a tropical, frost-sensitive perennial that produces yellow flowers and has black seeds. It grows as a bush or small tree and yields cotton with unusually long, silky fibers. The native range of this species is Colombia to Peru. It is now cultivated in dry tropical and arid subtropical areas around the world. It is the major source of the longer grades of cotton, but accounts for only a small proportion of the overall cotton market.