Plant of the Malavaceae family with fruit capsules that produce seeds wrapped in white, shiny wool and used, among other things, for the fabrication of textile fibres. Regarding the occasional use as a support for paintings, the cotton canvas does not offer particular guarantees, as it is highly hygroscopic and thus subject to deformation in relation to sudden hygrometric changes. Compared to hemp and linen, the cotton fibre is less robust and easily stretched: due to its high cellulose content, it is extremely sensitive to acids, alkali and oxidizing agents.