Gossypium herbaceum seed
This and other species of Gossypium are the sources of the eminently useful cotton fibre. The rootbark once gained notoriety as a powerful abortifacient, particularly in the southern United States. Contains gossypol, which research has revealed has important anti-parasitic and antiviral effects, and has shown promise as a male anti-fertility drug in studies conducted in china by the World Health Organization. Can be grown for interest as a potplant in a bright window or greenhouse. Tender biennial or triennial.