Mao   Gossypium tomentosa

Family:  Malvaceae

Description:  This 'native cotton' has attractive yellow flowers set against grayish foliage. A shrub up to 15 feet tall and 10 foot spread, Ma`o thrives in full sun and must be planted along the coast or at low elevations on the leeward side of the island. This plant was used to breed with the commercial cotton to form a more resistant hybrid.

(foliage of Mao)

(closeup of Mao leaves)

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