cotton

Branch of unprocessed cotton.

The optimum temperatures for cotton growth range between 15˚C for germination, to around 30˚C for the plant to fruit. If there is too much rain or the climate is too humid this may make the plant rot, or not develop properly.

The long silky fibres that are so useful to us to make cotton fibre are there to help the seed be easily carried in the wind, and therefore help the seed spread further and more easily, and improve the planets chance of reproduction.

Gossypium hirsutum is the most widely cultivated species of cotton because it tends to produce more and better quality cotton than other varieties. The world’s largest cotton producers are China and United States.

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk