Cotton plant: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used in general or scientific contexts to refer to any plant that produces cotton. It is the most neutral and widely used term.

• Farmers harvested cotton plants at the end of the season
• The cotton plant belongs to the Malvaceae family

This term is used more specifically in botany or gardening contexts when discussing the structure of the plant, as 'shrub' often implies a woody plant.

• The gardener pruned the cotton shrub to encourage new growth
• In some climates, the cotton shrub can grow quite large

This term might be used in casual conversation or informal writing, especially when emphasizing the shrub-like appearance of the plant.

• He walked through the field, brushing against the cotton bushes
• The cotton bush needs a lot of sunlight to grow well

This term is used in scientific and academic contexts, often in formal writing or research. 'Gossypium' is the genus name for cotton plants.

• Researchers are studying the genetic makeup of the Gossypium plant
• The Gossypium plant is essential for the textile industry