Gossypium arboreum

  

Gossypium arboreum, known locally as Kapu Kaha or Desi cotton, has a long history in Sri Lanka's traditional agriculture and indigenous medicine. Before the widespread use of imported cotton varieties, this hardy cotton plant was grown in home gardens and dry-zone areas for its fiber as well as its medicinal value.

In Sri Lankan Ayurveda and Deshiya Chikitsa, different parts of Gossypium arboreum—especially the roots, bark, leaves, and flowers—are used in herbal preparations. It is valued for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and strengthening properties, and is commonly included in remedies for gynecological conditions, urinary disorders, and heat-related imbalances in the body.

Beyond medicine, the plant also played a role in rural livelihoods. Its cotton fiber, though coarser than modern varieties, was traditionally hand-spun and woven for household use. Today, Gossypium arboreum is increasingly recognized for its cultural, medicinal, and ecological importance, supporting renewed interest in native plant conservation and sustainable herbal practices in Sri Lanka.