Nanda Devi #2

Description

Genetics: Himalayan Multipurpose Cannabis Landrace
Sourcing: The Real Seed Company, Kumaon Himalaya, 2021 Harvest
Purpose: Charas (hand-rubbed resin), seed, fibre
Latitude: 29° N
Harvest: October
Height: Up to approx. 6 metres outdoors
Aroma: Floral, tangy, spicy, herbal
Characteristics: Early maturing, soaring high, hardy, humidity tolerant
Grow Type: Greenhouse or outdoors

A cannabis landrace sourced from the same village as the famous Nanda Devi accession. These are seeds of the larger multipurpose type of domesticate known to local farmers as ‘dati’, available here as Kumaoni.

Because of dati fields in this village being in very close proximity to crops of ‘Nanda Devi’, the two types have inevitably interbred.

Nanda Devi traits such as its fiery soaring high (when made into charas) can certainly be found among these plants. Equally, desirable dati traits are present such as higher yield and ease of germination relative to the wild-type var. himalayensis qualities of Nanda Devi.

Himalayan multipurpose landrace such as Nanda Devi #2 exhibit high levels of bast fibre and large, nutritious seeds. This reflects the history of use of cannabis in the Himalaya for textiles and cordage, as well as the crucial role of cannabis seeds as a source of fats and protein in the Himalayan diet.

The image shows plants from this accession outdoors at 40° N in mid July.