Boll is a noun that refers to a rounded seed capsule or pod found in certain plants like cotton, flax, or tobacco. It is specifically used to describe the inflated, round pod that contains the fluffy fibers of the cotton plant. The term is often associated with cotton and is synonymous with cotton boll.
The boll typically develops after the flower of the cotton plant has been fertilized. It starts off as a small, green sphere and gradually grows larger. As it matures, it changes color, turning from green to white or yellowish, indicating that it is ready for picking. The boll contains numerous cotton fibers tightly packed together, firmly attached to the seeds inside.
Cotton bolls, due to their fibrous nature, are highly valued for their use in the textile industry. They are harvested when fully matured and undergo the process of ginning, where the fibers are separated from the seeds. The fibers are then spun into yarn and used to produce various cotton-based textiles such as clothing, bedding, and towels.
The term "boll" is occasionally used in a broader sense to describe the seed capsules or pods found in other plants, such as flax or tobacco. However, it is most commonly associated with cotton due to its economic importance and widespread cultivation.
