One needs to be careful when using the word carpasum, especially in Greek-speaking areas.
For Roman Customs officials, it is a Latin word derived from an Indian word designating cotton, and flax, which are produced in the Indus to make fine cooling garments. This material fetches very high prices in Western markets, second only to silk. It is considered a luxury item, and is subject to luxury tax when imported.

This word is not to be confused with the Greek word karpason. When written, the words are easily distinguishable. But when spoken, one may mistake the one for the other. The Greek word karpason designates a plant, the white hellebore, which grows in several regions of the Western Mediterranean world. It is not a luxury item.
The Latin word for this plant is carpathum -- it is derived from the Greek. People have been known to use carpasum instead of carpathum, which can lead to confusion.