Mitragyna speciosa is an evergreen tree from the coffee family that grows naturally in Southeast Asian countries. As new as it is in the western world, not everyone has a clear understanding of what it is and what it can do to the body and mind. First things first, Kratom tree is available in different strains, which can be differentiated by the regions they come from. Besides, each strain can be divided further based on the color of the vein and stem on the leaves. Whether you are new to the world of Kratom or you’ve been using it for years, this article will educate you on a simple Kratom strains chart of the types of Mitragyna speciosa.
How Kratom colors are classified
Before we discuss the different Kratom colors available, it’s important to understand how these colors are classified in the first place. Kratom colors are classified according to the color of the veins and stem on the leaves. The leaves are usually green, but the mid-veins and stems may have different colors, such as red or white. The vein color is a result of the region in which the Mitragyna speciosa tree grows – different temperatures, soil, humidity, and rainfall can influence the color. Interestingly it’s the color on the stems and veins that give each strain unique properties and effects.
Basically, Kratom is divided into three different colors; red, white, and green-veined. If you look closely at the leaf of Kratom, you can see that the vein and stem have a certain color. Different colors signify different chemical composition and effects. During the grinding process, the veins and stems are removed, and only the leaf is taken for processing. Apart from the three colors, there are other additions such as yellow and gold. Different strains thrive in different conditions and are distinguished with unique alkaloids with each producing its own effects. This means that red-veined strains may be suitable for certain purposes and white and green-veined strain for entirely different purposes.
Kratom strains chart – colors and effect
- Red vein Kratom
Red-veined Kratom is regarded as the best selling Mitragyna speciosa strain out there. It is distinguished with red-colored veins and stems on the leaves. According to the Kratom experts, the red color is influenced by different factors, such as the maturity and drying process. For instance, the red-veined leaves are harvested from mature and older leaves. After harvesting, they are exposed to the outdoor sun for extended periods or ultraviolet lighting, depending on the variety. The red-veined leaves can as well be fermented during processing to create one of the newest additions to the Mitragyna speciosa family known as Bentuangie Kratom.
Red-veined Kratom has a larger production rate, which is why it’s readily available in the market today. It is believed to have a higher concentration of active alkaloids 7-Hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine and a lower concentration of alkaloid Speciociliatine. A pure red-veined strain can produce pleasant calming effects, promote feelings of peace and tranquility, and give users a feeling of optimism and wellbeing. It also relaxes the body and mind to help you have a night of quality sleep.
- Green vein Kratom
Green-veined Kratom is regarded as the most moderate vein color of Mitragyna speciosa leaf. It sits in between the white and red-veined Kratoms and thanks to a nice balance of active alkaloids, its effects are mild. Green-veined leaves are harvested on younger Kratom trees hence their darker coloring.
According to experts, the harvested leaves are dried indoors for approximately eighty percent of their drying time in temperature and air-conditioned rooms, and then taken outdoors to finish the drying phase. Thanks to its distinctive flavor, green-veined Kratom has unique effects and can be used to enhance focus and alertness, reduce shyness, increase talkativeness and make the user feel more relaxed and comfortable while chatting with strangers.
- White vein Kratom
White veined leaves are harvested from the youngest Mitragyna speciosa leaves. As the Kratom leaves mature, experienced Kratom farmers harvest white-veined leaves using the traditional hand-picking method. The harvested leaves are then dried indoors in the dark. With a low concentration of alkaloids Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, white-veined Kratom offers clean-burning energy and acts as a cognitive enhancer to provide physical and mental alertness.
- Yellow vein Kratom
Yellow vein Kratom is a rare and unique strain and as the newest addition to the Mitragyna speciosa family, it has a quite impressive origin. Typically, the Kratom tree comes in three strains – white, green, and red. Therefore, the yellow strain is not cultivated but created instead. According to some sources, the yellow strain is a derivative of the white vein strain, and the unique yellow color is a result of a special drying technique. Other sources report that green and white strains are combined and then dried to produce the yellow Kratom.
Whether it’s the white-veined strain used or the combinations of the white and green strain, the leaves are harvested when they reach the recommended maturity and run through the photo-oxidation process. In this process, they are left to dry for approximately 20 days until the color changes to yellow. The dried leaves can be fermented further to achieve the expected color and alter the alkaloid composition. This strain is very relaxing and can calm your body, mind, and nerves.
- Gold Kratom
Just like the yellow Kratom, gold Kratom is also a unique and a newest addition to the Mitragyna speciosa family. Gold Kratom has its origin from the red-veined strain. However, it undergoes a unique drying process that alters its alkaloid balance and eventually provides its distinctive golden brown color. According to Kratom experts, the drying process boosts its potency in offering outstanding recreational benefits to the user. During the drying process, the alkaloids are well preserved, which explains why gold Kratom is such a potent strain. This strain stimulates the user’s body and mind, increases appetite, and boosts mental performance.
Bottom line
Kratom is an interesting strain with an outstanding color transition. The white veined strain is harvested from maturing leaves, and the other leaves are left untouched to be harvested as green and red strains in the future. As the Mitragyna speciosa leaves mature, the color of the stems and mid-veins change from white through green and eventually to red. The color variation is attributed to the concentration of Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine, with the latter believed to trigger the color change as it increases. When the matured leaves are harvested, they can further be processed into gold or yellow Kratom. If you didn’t know anything about kratom colors, our comprehensive Kratom strains chart will get you started.