Parvati

Description

Genetics: ‘Parvati’ Charas Domesticate
Sourcing: The Real Seed Company, Parvati Valley, Indian Himalaya (Winter 2024)
Purpose: Charas (hand-rubbed resin), fibre, seeds
Latitude: 32° N
Harvest: Late-September through October
Height: 2 – 6 metres
Aroma: Floral, fruity, orange, mango, ‘hash’
Characteristics: Hardy, resinous, long internodes, intermediate domestication, CBD
Grow Type: Greenhouse or outdoors

A resinous charas plant from the famed Parvati Valley region of the Indian Himalaya. This landrace produces soft, sticky resin similar to the famous Malana Cream charas.

The Parvati strain is tall and lanky, with long internodes and sparse but intensely resinous buds, as is typical of Himalayan domesticates.

Aromas are floral and fruity, with deeper ‘hashy’ notes.

Feral ‘jungli’ phenotypes may be exhibited, as in all Himalayan Cannabis crops.

Cannabinoids such as CBD and THCV have been reported in Parvati strains, as in other Himalayan landraces such as those from Nepal.

Himalayan plants are traditionally employed for medicine. Previous Parvati accessions from The Real Seed Company have had positive feedback from medicinal growers. As with all traditional charas/hashish domesticates, chemotypes with significant levels of CBD are common.

Cultivated at high altitudes, often over 2500 metres, this cultigen is well adapted to extremes of weather such as intense rain, cold, and wind. It should cope well outdoors in damp northern regions, where it has been reported to withstand rain, damp, and wind.

Modern hybrids were introduced to the Kullu–Parvati region at least as early as the 1980s. Populations in Parvati are increasingly affected by tourists bringing seeds to farmers. Collectors are advised that absolute authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Equally, this problem will only worsen, so it’s advisable to acquire seeds sooner rather than later.

Note that broad leaflets during seedling stage are characteristic of traditional Himalayan domesticates.