• Limpopo

Free Weekly Newsline Every Thursday

WeGrow’s Quickguide to Africa’s Top 15 Cannabis ‘Source Strains’

The study of Africa’s cannabis landraces has barely begun even though the continent is famed for its indigenous landraces. Lesotho cultivator WeGrow has identified 15 ‘source strains’ of African cannabis that deserve closer scientific attention.

This report from WeGrow’s website


The cannabis strains known as African landrace strains are those that are native to the region of Africa. These landrace strains are remarkably identical in that they are hardy and tolerant of changing weather conditions, among other traits.


Additionally, they share comparable physical traits like an elongated shape, strong stems, and widely separated buds. The majority of African landrace strains are Sativa, which have uplifting affects and a strong cerebral buzz.


Recent studies have also revealed that African landrace types are high in THCV, a recently discovered THC homologue. The therapeutic effects of THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) include the control of blood sugar and the reduction of hunger.


Durban Poison, Malawi Gold, Kilimanjaro, Ethiopian, Red Congolese, and Kwazulu types are typical African landrace varieties. A summary of some of

these well-known strains can be found below.


Top 15 African Source Strains


These strains of cannabis are consider Source or Landrace varieties with roots in the African region:


1. Durban Poison Strain


Popular landrace cannabis strain Durban Poison dates back to the 14th century and comes from the metropolis of Durban. It was initially grown by Khoikhoi and San community groups. It has a sweet, fruity taste and immediately stimulates the mind while producing blissful effects. It’s modern version is still to be found in dispensers in north America.


2. Ethiopian Strain


A third-generation African sativa variety with Ethiopian roots is called Ethiopian. The plants are tall and have lengthy branches with cone-shaped buds, just like most sativas do. This strain has a great tolerance for heat and moisture. It burns with an earthy and woodsy fragrance and releases a jolting burst of euphoria.


3. Sotho Heights Strain


A strain called Sotho Heights, also referred to as “Matekoane” locally, is produced in Lesotho’s high mountains where cannabis can enjoy optimal conditions. Cannabis In Lesotho or the commerce has been around since 1550. Locals frequently use it for childbirth, asthma, and elevated blood pressure. It has also been reported that they use it to get rid of parasites on livestock.

In contrast to other African landrace strains, it is accustomed to cold climates because it is cultivated in the highlands. Sotho Heights has thin stems and leaves but does not develop as tall as other sativas. It smells slightly sweet with hints of citrus and coffee. It has calming and energizing benefits.


4. Swazi Gold Strain


A landrace variety from Africa called the Swazi Gold is also referred to as the Nguni. Swazi Gold has high THC levels that range from 18% to 27% and creates dense mango-scented buds. It can be used to treat diseases like attention deficit disorders, stress, and depression because it contains significant levels of THCV. While growing, this strain will require less care, once consumed it will have a strong cerebral impact.


5. Sinai Strain


Sinai is a landrace variety that was first grown in Egypt’s Desert Mountains. It can endure extremely harsh conditions in warm climates, like 100°F. The best time to use this strain is in the nights following a busy workday because of the potent and mind-numbing effects.


6. Malawi Strain


The Salima area of Malawi in Africa is the source of the landrace strain known as Malawi. “Malawi Gold” is another term for it. Despite being a sativa, the flowers it produces are frequently dense and exceptionally resinous. THC levels could reach 27%. When produced indoors, you can anticipate harvesting after 13 weeks, whereas when grown outdoors, you must wait until the end of the month.


7. Kwazulu Strain


A pure sativa landrace strain known as Kwazulu comes from the South African Drakensberg Ridge’s foothills. Because the effects are rarely overpowering, it is an excellent strain for treating both physical and mental conditions.


It is recommended to use this strain a couple of hours before bed because it is 100% sativa. When cultivated indoors, Kwa-Zulu grows well both indoors and outdoors and blooms in eight weeks. Harvest time for outdoor crops is typically in October. This strain will produce large yields with THC levels above 20%.


8. Kilimanjaro Strain


A sativa landrace variety known as Kilimanjaro is also known as the “elephant stomper” due to its extremely energizing qualities. It was initially cultivated for religious rituals and ceremonies and has origins in the Kilimanjaro Mountains.


Kilimanjaro buds are densely covered in THC-18%-rich resinous trichomes. The plants are tall and lanky like other sativas, and the nugs are stuffed full of phytocannabinoids. In large doses, the affects can become psychedelic while still being stimulating.


9. Afrikaner Strain


Afrikaner is a South African landrace strain with a high THC content that is produced by Cannabaal and Waldo Botha. This strain has a significant level of THCV and about 20% THC. It tastes like “sweet picante weed stench,” according to the cultivator. Feel a euphoria that can energise both your body and intellect. The ideal wake-and-bake variety, so to speak.


10. Coffee Gold Strain


The “Wild Coast” of South Africa, where thousands of coffee trees are cultivated, is where Coffee Gold by Seeds of Africa is produced. Huge, dense buds with a purple hue characterize Coffee Gold. It smells like grape, gooseberry, and greengage, which are sour vegetables. The high from this strain is tranquil and peaceful.


11. Moroccan Strain


The North African Rif Mountains in northeastern Morocco are where the Moroccan landrace variety first appeared. Moroccan types were first cultivated for hash in the 15th century and have a lot of resin. These plants have large primary colas and short, sparse branching. The THC content is moderate, varying from 10% to 15%. With the Moroccan strain, you’ll feel mellow and sedative.


12. Mozambican Coffee Strain


Mozambican coffee is grown close to the shore in a forest. The plant develops heavy, trichome-rich buds with a striking blue tint on occasion. They typically flourish in warm environments. Typically, the buds can give off a strong scent of neighboring tropical fruit and spices. A calm and energizing high may result from it. It is referred to as “nbaje” or “soruma” locally, and tribe doctors have used it in teas for blood poisoning, fevers, and childbirth.


13. Zimlicious Strain


Landrace sativa Zimlicious is cultivated in the foothills of the Botswana frontier. Though it thrives in subtropical settings, it can adapt to most situations. These plants have a medium height and produce a lot of light green nugs with a kush-like fragrance. Users experience an intense and euphoric high that makes them happy and at ease.


14. Apondo Mystic Strain


The forests of Pondoland, North Eastern Cape, have a subtropical climate where Apondo Mystic can thrive. Light green in hue, Apondo Mystic has slender sativa buds.

It is a sativa, which means that it has energizing effects that can help users feel concentrated and a part of their surroundings. To experience Apondo Mystic’s uplifting benefits with little to no sedation, take it during the day. It smells citrusy and acidic, with a hint of earthiness.


15. Red Congolese Strain


The landrace variety Red Congolese, also referred to as Red Congo, has its roots in tropical regions of Africa. This strain’s sativa characteristics result in energizing effects that leave users concentrated and clear-headed. It smells berry-like, sweet, and spicy. Make sure you have enough space when cultivating this indoors because it can reach a height of six feet.

#

Share this post
The Cannabiz Africa Briefing

One weekly email. Everything moving in African cannabis.

"*" indicates required fields

Name

Search news, companies, regulations

Start typing below to search Cannabiz Africa.