Tropical regions are known to have a diverse variety of evergreen to deciduous trees growing in the area. Sunda Kratom having the scientific name of Mitragyna Speciosa, is one of these varieties. This species belongs to the Coffee family and is native to the Southeast Asian region. Sunda Island is one of the areas that are home to Kratom.

The name is Sunda Island often comes attached to several strains of Kratom. Geographically the Sunda Islands are part of the Malay Peninsula divided and owned by four neighboring countries. These countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor, and Brunei. The Islands further classifies into the Greater Sunda Islands and the Lesser Sunda Islands

For clarity, it is important to know that Bali, one of the most famous travel destinations of Indonesia, is a part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.

These islands are home to some of the best quality Kratom that is rapidly gaining popularity. The strains that are native to this Island take the name of Sunda. Mitragyna species that have fascinated the locals for a long time have kept up the same image for researchers worldwide. Unlike other non-native strains of Kratom, the Sunda species is not well researched and reviewed, which puts it at the center of attention and curiosity.

Characteristics of Sunda Kratom Tree

An average looking tree is filled with a wide range of miracles that have fascinated scientists and the general public. Here are some of the characteristics.

Type: Ketum is pre-dominantly an evergreen tree. But depending on the areas, it was growing and climate condition, it can also be regarded as a deciduous variety.

Climate requirements: as the inhabitant of a hot and humid equatorial region, Ketum required heavy rainfalls, damp and hot environment for optimal growth. Soil is higher moisture content and is favorable as compared to dry soils or colder regions.

Truck and leaves: its trunk is smooth and straight with a tinge of grey in the bark. Leaves are dark green and have a glossy appearance. The growth pattern is opposite, and the shape is ovate-acuminate.

Height: the height range of this tree can vary from 4 to 9 meters. If climatic conditions are favorable, they can grow very tall and width.

What are the key features of the Sunda Islands?

Sunda Island sits rights on the top of equator, and the majority of the region is present between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn. Closest to the sun, the equatorial region is characterized by hot and humid temperatures all year long. Heavy rainfalls are the primary determinant of the overall climatic condition.

Ecology and Vegetation: most of the Island is densely covered in evergreen forests with canopy configuration.  With increasing altitude, the Vegetation becomes deciduous.

Weather condition: on a typical day, the morning starts with dry weather with a hot sun, and humid noon followed by a downpour and occasional storms.

The Ring of Fire: Indonesian region of Sunda Island is on Ring of fire, the area of pacific plates characterized by high levels of seismic activity and earthquakes, followed by volcanic eruptions and several active volcanoes.

These features are ideal for Speciosa as a warmed loving plant that grows best in humid lands with high soil water content.

How is Sunda Kratom grown and produced?

Sunda strains are locally sourced, and the details of each strain manufacturing are a mystery to outsiders. Only local farmers know the complete procedures, and what variation is in place for each variant.

The process of harvesting starts with the leaves reaching certain maturity. Each leaf is hand-picked by the farmer and sends to the collection centers. There these leaves are washes to get rid of all contaminants, debris, and dirt. Depending on the strain, the leaves are then sun-dried or air-dried.

Some strains prolong sun exposure to bring out the color and the content demanded. Others are not exposed to sunlight and are air-dried in the shade. The color variation and alkaloid content depends on this part of the process. Up next is the formation of powder. It is done both traditionally and through industrial equipment. The powder goes to the vendor for sale around the world. Kratom extracts are also made by heating the leaves in the water at a specific temperature.

The three grades that help you choose Sunda kratom

Kratom requires a particular climate and soil condition to grow and mature properly. These conditions are also responsible for certain traits and qualities specific only to the powder of Sundanese origin. The following are some of the grades that can help you identify pure Sunda strains.

Smell

Original product from Malay archipelagos is aromatic and carries an earthly odor. The hint of soil and raw dirt is present in the leave powder. Additionally, the moss fragrance is also present. A product contaminated with additives will give off a less natural aroma.

Taste

Leaves and powder from this species taste very bitter. The tea extract is aromatic but carries a bitter taste. Any strain that does not originate in this peninsula will taste different. Sometimes mold contamination can change the taste, and it will fill excessively powdery.

Color

The color of the Sunda Powder varies with the variant, but an original product always carries ting of clay green color. Most strains are of vibrant hue, and dusky and dull color indicates the product of low quality that is not produced on Sunda Island.

Different types/Varieties of Sunda strains

Sunda Kratom is classified based on the color of the central stem of the leaf. This color is dominant when the leaves are converted into powdered forms. It is believed that these variants do not originate from different plants. Instead, all trees leave to go through the lifecycle during which it turns green, red and white, and finally brown.

Depending upon the time of harvest and alkaloid content, a specific color is dominant that determines the strains. There are three major varieties of Sunda kratom; Red Sunda, White Sunda, and Yellow Sunda.

Green Sunda Kratom

Features and origin: it is harvest locally by mysterious techniques of experienced local farmers. The strain comes from the Old-growth trees of Sunda that makes it rare and hard to find variant. The leaf has green mid-vein and has a refreshing green color when turned into the powder.

Effect: it is a more potent strain as compared to others. Natives chew the leave to rid uneasiness. The overall effect of green Sunda is uplifting with an energetic and motivating rush. It is also relief and has a fast-acting ability.

Available form: it is mostly consumed in powdered forms. Many brands also offer it in capsules, although powdered in consumers’ favorite. Some vendors also sell infused green Sunda.

Red Sunda Kratom

Features and color: come from the leaves green leaves of Mitragyna with a red midrib. The powder has a green color with hues of soft red and rosy shade when converted into powder. It originates on the Sunda Islands, naturally growing older trees.

Effect: the strain has a predominant sedative effect and carries calmness. It uplifts the mood and the feeling of relaxation sets in. It is also used as a discomfort reliever and for treating insomnia.

Available form: it has a few sellers that market the product in powdered form. Consumption preferences can vary from powder consumption to tea extract.

Yellow Sunda Kratom

Features and color: unlike the other strains, Yellow Sunda’s name does not come from the color of the midrib. Instead, it is a blend of red and green Sunda. It is harvested locally from mature leaves of these strains. They are hard to obtain and are produced in scarcity. The powdered form has a fresh green color.

Effect: it combines the effects of both red and green strains. Depending upon each blend’s percentage, the impact of domination can vary as it has lesser red; it perfect mood reliever without causing excessive sedation. It is also effective against discomfort.

Available form: it is mostly available and consumed in powdered form.

White Sunda Kratom

Features and color: this strain is lighter in color than the darker hues of red and green kratom. It is harvested from less mature leaves that are common on the Island.

Effect: This strain does not carry much of the sedation effect. It is perfect for use when an energy boost is required, as the variant is very stimulating with a long-lasting impact. The discomfort-relieving quality is also lesser as compared to the green strain.

Available form: like the other strains, white Sunda is also available in powdered form. In addition to that, some vendors are marketing and selling white in capsule form.

Conclusion

Kratom from the South Asian region is the top quality product on the market. Several other strains originate from the same Island, like Bali red, Borneo Island, and several different variants.

Kratom strains have long been used for their medicinal properties locally. With increasing demand outside this equatorial region, the market is thriving and expanding. In short, Sunda strains are the best on the market and fulfill a wide variety of consumers’ needs.