Top 18 Landrace African Weed Strains

If you enjoy ancient cannabis strains, our top landrace varieties from Africa will pique your interest. Africa is important to the illustrious history of marijuana because it is home to several treasured landrace types, such as the well-known Durban Poison strain.

Outside of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, several historic cannabis strains are found. In the future installments of this series, we’ll look at some of these other desirable historical marijuana kinds from around the world. This blog article centers on Africa’s greatest landrace varieties and what they have to offer.

What Is A Landrace Strain?

Currently, landrace strains are quite rare in cannabis markets. Landrace strains refer to the original cannabis strains that grew naturally and were not cultivated by humans. The majority of today’s cannabis strains have been derived from just a handful of landrace varieties. These plants have evolved to thrive in their natural habitat and can adapt to different climates and regions around the world.

A landrace strain is a type of marijuana strain that has unadulterated genetics because it hasn’t been mixed with other strains. Crossbreeding creates hybrids when marijuana plants are crossed. Landrace strains, on the other hand, have not been crossbred but can be hybridized to produce hybrid strains.

Landrace strains were the first marijuana strains to grow wildly in different parts of the globe. As marijuana became more popular for religious, therapeutic, and recreational use, growers began practicing selective breeding of marijuana strains. This gave rise to hundreds of now-known hybrid strains, such as White Tahoe Cookies, Purple Kush, Chemdawg and White Widow.

Landrace Strains From Africa

Landraces are generally indigenous to a certain area. As a result, they are also known by the name of that particular location. Hindu Kush, Pakistani Kush, and Panama Red are examples of such strains. This isn’t a hard and fast rule; for example, Durban Poison is a landrace strain with a different name unrelated to any particular region.

The marijuana strains indigenous to Africa are known as African landrace strains. These landrace strains have certain striking resemblances, such as a hardy disposition and the ability to withstand changing weather conditions.

These plants also share some physical similarities, like an elongated shape, strong stems, and widely-spaced buds. The African landrace strains are mostly sativas, which tend to cause a potent mental high and uplifting feelings.

Rich in a newly identified THC homologue known as THCV, African landrace strains have many therapeutic benefits, such as regulating blood sugar and suppressing appetite.

Some of the most common African landrace strains include Durban Poison, Malawi Gold, Kilimanjaro, Ethiopian, Red Congolese, and Kwazulu.

Popular African Landrace Strains

These are landrace marijuana strains that can be traced back to Africa’s continent.

1. Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a landrace marijuana strain that has been around since the 14th century. It originates from Durban, and was originally cultivated by the Khoikhoi and San community tribes. Its sweet, fruity flavor is famous, as it provides an instant mental boost along with happy effects.

2. Ethiopian

Ethiopian is an African sativa strain that was developed over three generations. These plants are tall with long branches, cone-shaped buds, and they’re highly resistant to both moisture and heat. If you smoke it, the Ethiopian gives off an earthy woody aroma while producing a short but euphoric high.

3. Kwazulu

If you’re looking for a good sativa strain that can help with physical and mental conditions, Kwazulu is a great option. It originates from Drakesnberg ridge in South Africa and is known for its mild effects.

Kwa-Zulu is a pure sativa strain that does best when taken a couple of hours before bedtime. Kwa-Zulu grows well in both indoor and outdoor environments and flowers within eight weeks when grown indoors. When grown outdoors, you can expect to harvest in October. The yields from this strain are high with THC levels above 20%.

4. Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is a natural Sativa marijuana strain that got its name from the famous African mountain range. It’s known for being especially energizing and was used in religious ceremonies by ancient cultures.

The THC-18 content of the buds from Kilimanjaro is exceptionally high, with a coating that is very thick. The plants grow tall and thin, and the nuggets are brimming with phytocannabinoids, like other sativas. In higher doses, the effects are energizing and may lead to psychedelic experiences.

5. Malawi

The Malawi strain is a sativa that originates from the Salima region of Malawi, also known as “Malawi Gold.” Although it technically classifies as a sativa, its buds are usually denser and more resinous than others in its family. THC levels in this plant can get as high as 27%. When grown indoors, harvest time falls 13 weeks after planting. Outdoors, you’ll need to wait until the end of the month.

6. Sinai

The Sinai cannabis strain can endure harsh conditions such as high temperatures in its native home of the Desert Mountains in Egypt. If you’re looking for an evening relaxation smoke with strong, numbing effects, look no further than Sinai.

7. Swazi Gold

The Swazi Gold is an African landrace strain that is known for its dense, mango-smelling buds and high THC content. Swazi Gold has a wide range of THC levels, from 18% to 27%, as well as high amounts of THCV. This makes it ideal for treating medical conditions such as attention deficit disorders, stress, and depression.

The growth phase is shorter for this variety, but once harvested it will provide potent cerebral effects.

8. Afrikaner

Afrikaner, grown by Cannabaal and Waldo Botha in South Africa, is a landrace strain with an incredibly high THC concentration. With approximately 20% THC as well as a high concentration of THCV, this weed will have you feeling euphoric and energetic both mentally and physically. According to the growers themselves, it also has a unique sweet picante flavor. Perfect for waking up and enjoying some baked goods!

9. Zamal Reunion

Seeds of Africa’s Zamal Reunion strain is cultivated on the volcanic, fertile ground on Reunion Island (east of Madagascar). Zumal boasts some of the most unique sativa properties and is incredibly robust.

The end result is a cannabis strain that is bushy and bush-like, with numerous branches and huge buds that are orange and covered in red hairs. It matures faster than other strains when cultivated outside. Its users may anticipate an invigorating surge at the onset, which may come as a surprise to those new to using marijuana. The scent is earthy and heapy, with undertones of wood.

10. Coffee Gold

Coffee Gold, originating from Seeds of Africa, is grown in Coffee Bay located on South Africa’s “Wild Coast.” It is characterized by large and robust purple buds. Its sour fruit bouquet include grape, gooseberry, and greengage scents.

11. Moroccan

The Moroccan landrace strain is a type of cannabis that originated in the North African Rif Mountains in northeast Morocco. These plants are known for their high resin content and were originally grown for hashish production dating back to the 15th century. Moroccon strains tend to be short and have minimal branching, with large main colas. They typically have moderate THC levels ranging between 10 and 15%. Smoking or consuming Moroccan weed usually results in a relaxing and sedating high.

12. Rooibaard

Rooibaard is a landrace strain from South Africa with roots in Transkei. Its name derives from the crimson hairs on its buds, which are known as Swazi Red. It has a high THC content and an earthy, woody, and coffee-like South African cannabis fragrance. This plant may produce uplifting and relaxing effects.

13. Red Congolese

Red Congolese, also known as Red Congo, is a strain of cannabis originating in tropical regions of Africa. This sativa has energizing effects that make users alert and clear-headed. It has a pungent, fruity, and berry-like scent. Make sure you have adequate area to grow this indoors since it may reach up to six feet tall when cultivated outdoors.

14. Ketama

Ketama is a landrace strain from Morocco that is cultivated in the Ketama Valley. Ketama is recognized as Morocco’s Hash Capital. This crop is cultivated in harsh environments with rocky soil and has an aroma of wood and mint. Its psychoactive effects are stimulating and uplifting. The effects can change into a relaxing and soothing sensation.

15. Sotho Heights

Sotho Heights, or “Matekoane” as it’s known locally, is a type of cannabis grown in the high mountains of Lesotho. It has been traded there since at least 1550 and is commonly used to treat ailments like high blood pressure and asthma. Locals also use it to cure animals of parasites.

It is highly resistant to extreme cold and may be cultivated year-round in the highlands because it is developed for that environment. Because it is native to the highlands, it is better suited to winter than other African landrace strains. Although Sotho Heights grows taller than other sativas, its thin stems and leaves distinguish it. It has a lemony citrus scent with a hint of sweetness to it. It gives you a boost of energy while also relaxing you out.

16. Apondo Mystic

Apondo Mystic is a sativa strain that thrives in the forests of Pondoland, North Eastern Cape, South Africa. Apondo Mystic has light green leaves and slender sativa buds.

If you are hoping to feel more alert and connected without being weighed down by tiredness, Apondo Mystic is the sativa for you. Consuming it during the day will allow you to enjoy its uplifting benefits with little-to-no drowsiness. Its scent is a refreshing combination of citrus and earthy aromas.

17. Mozambica

The country of Mozambique is located on the coast and has a lot of forests. The plant generates hefty and trichome-rich buds that have been known to have a bright blue hue. They prefer a tropical environment. The buds are typically pungent with a tropical fruit and spice fragrance produced by plants cultivated near by.

Nbaje, also known as soruma, is a plant that has been used by tribal healers for centuries in teas meant to treat blood poisoning, fevers, and childbirth. The plant create a feeling of calm energy.

18. Zimlicious

Zimlicious is a landrace sativa strain originally from the foothills of the Botswana border. It grows best in subtropical environments but can handle most conditions. These plants typically grow medium-tall in height and have a high yield of light green nugs. They have a musky and kush-like aroma, and their high is intense and euphoric, leaving users giggly and at peace

There are other great landrace strains not mentioned in this article, but these will give you a jumping off point as you explore similar weed strains.