Gossypium tomentosum, commonly known as maʻo, huluhulu or Hawaiian cotton, is a species of cotton plant that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Genetic studies indicate that Hawaiian cotton is related to American species of Gossypium, with its closest relative Gossypium hirsutum.[2]
Description
Maʻo is a shrub that reaches a height of 1.5–5 ft (0.46–1.52 m) and a diameter of 5–10 ft (1.5–3.0 m).[3] The seed hairs (lint) are short and reddish brown, unsuitable for spinning or twisting into thread. Its flowers are bright yellow and have from 3-5 lobes that bloom in late summer to winter.[4]
Distribution
Its ancestor may have come to the islands from the Americas as a seed on the wind or in the droppings of a bird, or as part of floating debris.[5]
Habitat
It inhabits low shrublands at elevations from sea level to 120 m (390 ft).[6] They can be found on all main Hawaiian islands besides Hawai'i, otherwise known as the Big Island.[7]
Modern use
Gossypium tomentosum has been bred with other cotton plants to try and get a more persistent cotton plant for.[8] Ma’o has also been studied with the interest in greater pollination consistency.[9][10] Additionally, Ma’o has been used to breed with other cotton plants to try and build up more resilience to salt.[11] The salinity of its habitat is high due to its close proximity to the ocean and thus has a resistance to salt more than other species.
Cultural significance
Native Hawaiians use maʻo flowers to make a yellow dye.[12] They were also used to aid childbirth and mitigate stomach aches.[13]
Conservation status
Gossypium tomentosum is under the G2 status and is considered at risk of extinction due to its lack of reach around the world.[14] This conservation status comes from the NatureServe definitions on different elements that affect species diversity.[15]
