Highlights;
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Cultivation of Cannabis Species:
- The federal illegality of cannabis leads to uncertainty about the exact number of species.
- Three main species are recognized: sativa, indica, and ruderalis.
- These species are often crossbred to create hybrids.
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Cannabis Ruderalis:
- Originates from Central Russia.
- Has a chemical profile similar to hemp with low THC levels.
- Known for being hardy and adaptable to extreme environments.
- Recently gaining popularity in breeding programs for hybrid strains.
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Plant Characteristics of Ruderalis:
- Grows up to 2.5 feet tall with a stalky structure.
- Produces small, chunky buds.
- Auto-flowering trait: flowers based on maturity, not photoperiod, starting as early as 21 days.
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Hybrids:
- Afghanica: An indica-predominant strain with a sedating effect, growing 5-6 feet tall.
- Auto-flowering strains: Result from crossing with ruderalis, offering quick growth and ease of cultivation.
- Popular among growers for their resilience and short growth cycle.
Cultivation
Due to the federal illegality of cannabis, the exact number of cannabis species remains uncertain. However, sativa, indica, and ruderalis are widely recognized as the three primary species. Top strains from each are often crossbred to create hybrids.
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Cannabis Ruderalis
Though less popular than indica and sativa, ruderalis has gained more attention in recent years. Originating from Central Russia, it shares a similar chemical profile with hemp and contains very low levels of THC.
Classification
The term “ruderalis” comes from the botanical term “ruderal,” referring to hardy, undomesticated plants. Cannabis strains adaptable to harsh environments and capable of thriving without human intervention are classified as ruderalis. Recently, indoor growers have begun utilizing ruderalis traits to develop new hybrid varieties.
Plant Characteristics
Ruderalis is a sturdy species, growing only 1 to 2.5 feet tall (0.3 to 0.75 meters) and producing small, chunky buds. What sets ruderalis apart is its unique flowering cycle, which is triggered by maturity rather than photoperiod, a process called auto-flowering. This process can begin in as little as 21 days.
Hybrids
Growers often combine top indica, sativa, or ruderalis strains to create hybrids that capture the best traits of both parent strains. One notable hybrid is Afghanica. Once mistaken for a pure indica, Afghanica is an indica-dominant strain known for its potent, sedating effects. It thrives in both indoor and outdoor settings, growing between 5 and 6 feet tall (1 to 2 meters) depending on conditions.
Another popular hybrid is the auto-flowering strain, which typically results from crossbreeding with ruderalis. These hybrids are favored for their ease of growth, short seed-to-harvest time, and ability to flower based on maturity rather than seasonal changes.
Reprinted from “Idiot’s Guides: Growing Marijuana” by permission of Alpha Books, an imprint of DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2016 Dorling Kindersley Limited. All rights reserved.
Originally published in Issue 26 of Cannabis Now. LEARN MORE
TELL US, ruderalis strains are quite rare—have you ever encountered one?
Source: https://cannabisnow.com/species-cannabis-ruderalis-hybrids/
