Sturt\'s Desert Rose

Other names: Gossypium sturtianum, Darling River rose, Australian cotton, Australian cotton

Gossypium sturtianum, also known as Darling River rose or Australian cotton, is an endemic plant native to Australia. This species of cotton is named after Charles Sturt, a British explorer who explored the Australian outback. The plant is relatively drought tolerant and able to grow in harsh conditions, making it ideal for Australia's arid and semi-arid regions. The flowers of Gossypium sturtianum are attractive, usually with a hint of pink, and of medium size.

Because of its drought tolerance and ability to grow in inhospitable conditions, Gossypium sturtianum is being scientifically investigated as a potential source of genes for improving commercial cotton varieties. However, its fibres are not as long and of the same quality as those of commercial cotton varieties and therefore it is not widely used in the textile industry. Nevertheless, the plant is important in traditional medicine and is considered important in the Australian ecosystem, providing food and shelter for various species of fauna.