What Are Landraces?
Landraces are cultivars of cannabis that have undergone generations of refining, not by a person but by the environment they grow in. In this article we'll delve into some of the most popular landraces, where they come from and what makes them special.
What's so special about landraces?
The importance of landrace genetics cannot be understated and the unique attributes they contribute to the ever changing catalog of cannabis strains. The genetics that make your flower smell the way it does, taste the way it does and look the way it does come from the evolution of a plant dealing with their growing environment.
Landrace genetics provide new and interesting plant characteristics that can be used to create new strains with new flavours, terpenes and most importantly medicinal benefits.
Popular landrace strains
Malawi Gold
Malawi located in the Southeast of Africa is home to one of the best known strains of cannabis - Malawi Gold. A pure sativa originating in the fertile highlands of the Salima and Nkhata Bay regions.
Because of the heat there the plants grow tall and slender, traditional sativa style plants to allow for lots of air flow and help keep the plants cool. Producing heavy resin-coated buds that can turn a golden or amber colour when cured. An example of the plant developing attributes to help it survive its environment.
Lamb's Bread
Said to be Bob Marley's favorite strain, Lamb's bread also known as Lamb's Breath is a landrace synonymous with Jamaica. The origins of lamb's bread are more involved though, as it was first introduced to Jamaica via the slave trade. It then became favored amongst locals and through generations of farming has become known as a Jamaican landrace.
Hindu Kush
Originating in the Hindu Kush mountain range between Afghanistan and Pakistan this plant evolved naturally over generations to survive the harsh, high-altitude climates of the mountain range.
Because of this environment the Hindu Kush, also known as Hindi Kush plants grow very differently from the landraces in hotter countries. These plants are know for growing short dense plants that are great for creating hash.
Preserving landrace genetics
Landrace genetics are in danger of disappearing. Kind of... Through the trades made on the hippie hash trail and other growing projects, a lot of local landraces have been cross-pollinated with more modern hybrids. Lots of local growers also prefer more modern seeds for their disease resistance and higher yields.
Expeditions are currently now being made deep into rural areas all over the world with the sole purpose of tacking down and preserving these valuable landrace genetics.
