Levant cotton

Gossypium herbaceum

Physical Characteristics

Gossypium herbaceum is a SHRUB growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

Probably originating in S. Africa, it is only known in cultivation.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Oil Edible portion: Seeds, Leaves, Oil. Seed - roasted[301 ]. The roasted seed can be used as a coffee substitute[301 ]. An oil is obtained from the seed[301 ]. Used in salads or as a cooking oil[301 ]. The oil is also used in the manufacture of margarines, vegetable shortenings, lard substitutes etc[46 ]. The oil contains a substance called gossypol which is believed to lower male fertility and cause infertility[238 ]. The gossypol is usually removed before the oil is used for edible purposes[238 ]. Leaves[301 ]. Carbon Farming - Staple Crop: oil.

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Antibacterial Antiinflammatory Antiviral Aromatic Astringent Dysentery Febrifuge Skin Cotton is an astringent, slightly acidic, aromatic herb that causes uterine contractions, depresses sperm production, lowers fever, reduces inflammation and soothes irritated tissue[238 ]. It also has antiviral and antibacterial actions[238 ]. The root bark contains gossypol and flavonoids[254 ]. It is seldom used in modern herbalism, but has been used as a milder and safer alternative to ergot (Claviceps purpurea) for inducing uterine contractions in order to speed a difficult labour[254 ]. It can induce an abortion or the onset of a period, and reduces total menstrual flow[254 ]. It has also been taken internally in the treatment of painful menstruation[238 ]. The root bark also encourages an increased milk flow in nursing mothers and blood clotting[254 ]. The roots are harvested at the end of the growing season, peeled and dried[238 ]. The seeds are taken internally in the treatment of dysentery, intermittent fever and fibroids[238 ]. Externally, the seeds are used to treat herpes, scabies, wounds and orchitis[238 ]. The oil obtained from the seed contains a substance known as gossypol. This has the effect of lowering sperm production and possibly causing infertility in males[238 ]. Research has been carried out into its potential use as a male contraceptive[238 ]. It can be used to reduce heavy menstrual flow and in the treatment of endometriosis[254 ]. The leaves are taken internally in the treatment of gastroenteritis[238 ]. Externally, the leaves are used to treat thrush, scalds, bruises and sores[238 ]. The leaves are harvested as required during the growing season[238 ].

Known Hazards

The plant, and especially the oil from the seed, contains gossypol. It is believed that this substance, when ingested, causes reduced sperm levels and infertility in men[238 , 254 ].