Question

Cotton belongs to the family
A. Solanaceae
B. Leguminosae
C. Cucurbitaceae
D. Malvaceae

Answer 1

Cotton belongs to the family otherwise known mallows. It is a family of flowering plants. Most species in this family are either shrubs or herbs, but some are trees and lianas.

Complete step by step answer:
A. Solanaceae is a family of flowering plants commonly known as nightshades. It includes the annual and perennial plants, herbs, vines, shrubs, trees, agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, weeds, and ornamental plants. Vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, capsicum, and chillies are included in this family.
B. Leguminosae or Fabaceae is commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family, and their characteristics are the legume fruits and the stipulated leaves. Shrubs, trees, annual and perennial herbaceous plants are included in this family.
C. The Cucurbitaceae family is commonly known as the gourd family or cucurbits. It includes plants like cucumber, bitter melon, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, calabash, and other gourds. They are grown around the tropical and temperate areas. It ranks among the highest of plant families for the number and percentage of species used as human food.
D. Malvaceae family or commonly known as the mallows in the family of flowering plants. It contains 244 genera and 4225 species. Plants like okra, cacao, durian are included in this family. Ornamental plants like hollyhock, mallow, and lime are also a part of this family. The cotton plant is also a part of the Malvaceae family.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: Gossypium is the species name of the cotton plant and is one of the most cultivated plants in India. It is mainly used as a raw material for textiles. They are grown in arid and semiarid regions.