Gossypium tomentosum, commonly known asmaʻo,huluhulu orHawaiian cotton, is a species ofcotton plant that isendemic to theHawaiian Islands. Genetic studies indicate that Hawaiian cotton is related to American species ofGossypium, with its closest relativeGossypium hirsutum.[2]
Maʻo is ashrub 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]
It inhabitslow 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]
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 to build up more resilience tosalt.[11] Thesalinity of itshabitat is high due to its close proximity to the ocean and thus has a resistance to salt more than other species.
Gossypium tomentosum is under the G2 status and is considered at risk ofextinction 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]
Media related toGossypium tomentosum at Wikimedia Commons
Data related toGossypium tomentosum at Wikispecies