8 mutations and anomalies that give the cannabis plant such a special look

As with many species in the plant kingdom, the cannabis plant produces genetic mutations from time to time. Here are 8 mutations and anomalies that give the plant a particular look, followed by a brief explanation of the meaning and consequences of this phenomenon that you may not know.

Mutations of cannabis

By definition : Mutation is a term that describes a change in the genetic makeup of the biology of any organism. This can lead to various changes in the characteristics of the plant. The reason for the mutation may be due to a person's deliberate manipulation (such as a lab experiment). Or exposure to unusual living conditions in terms of temperature, nutrition, partial pressure exerted by oxygen, radiation and many other factors ...

Whorled phyllotaxis

Whorled phyllotaxis is a mutation known to cannabis growers. It signifies the order in which the leaves are implanted on the stem. Thus, it causes three leaves instead of the usual two. And subsequently produces an excess branch on the same node.

Although the symptoms can help to obtain a more abundant harvest, this mutation is negligible because most of the time it does not reach the end of its growth phase. The phenomenon is characterized by its unique appearance mainly on small seedlings, as shown in the picture.

polyploid

The Polyploid is a mutation organism which obliges to accommodate twice as many necessary chromosomes. The polyploidy phenomenon of cannabis occurs when there is a problem in the cellular processes of the plant during the growth phase. Other than a slight change in appearance, it has no other effect.

Variation and Albinism

As in humans and animals, the phenomenon of albinism occurs when the genes responsible for the production of chlorophyll cannot be expressed correctly, which leads to different pigmentations as in albino plants.

Although the phenomenon is interesting and beautiful, it is not beneficial in terms of product quality and may even harm the plant. Furthermore, the phenomenon of cannabis albinism is rare and almost unrecorded, the vast majority of existing albino plants are created as a result of excess light.

Secondary flowers, Inflorescence or Cyme

This occurs when the usual flowers grow at the ends of stems and branches. Also, these secondary flowers begin to develop at the base of the leaves as well.

Beginners might think this is a positive development to benefit from more flowers in the garden. The recommendation is to remove the secondary flowers so that additional nutrients are not lost along the way without the knowledge of the larger flowers.

Duckfoot or duck's leg

The 'Duckfoot' phenomenon occurs when a plant grows webbed between the tips of the leaves, resulting in the leaves resembling a duck's foot and not really reminiscent of cannabis.

Additionally, plants with this mutation produce a crop that doesn't really have a cannabis-like smell. It is one of the most sought-after mutations by growers. On the one hand for its form and on the other hand for its smell. This allows for natural camouflage.

 Polymeric Seeds or Polyembryonic Seeds

Another existing mutation in cannabis seeds: polymer seeds. This will produce more than one germ and therefore, during germination, two or more germs will be found.

If handled carefully, the sprouts will be enough to remove the shell from the seed after a day or two and gently separate the two. After separation, the two sprouts will grow and turn into a pair of healthy plants.

ABC (Australian Bastard Cannabis) or Australian Bastard

Australian Bastard Cannabis is a rare mutation that was discovered in the 70s by growers near Sydney, Australia. Plants with the mutation do not resemble cannabis, and leaf growth is short and elliptical.

The first mutation discovered was low in THC and closely related to hemp. Subsequently a number of Australian growers tried to incorporate hybrid species into it. To date, we do not know anyone experienced in these strange southern genes.

Cannabis vine

One of the rarest mutations in the world of cannabis cultivation (and one that still leaves several question marks) would be 'cannabis vine'. It would seem that growers who have tried to breed and combine varieties based on Australian bastard. Thus, they managed to reproduce a cannabis plant in spiral growth in the form of a vine.

Even the shape of the leaves and flowers of these cultivated plants have nothing to do with the classic cannabis leaves. Rather, it looks like a possible mutation of hops (a distant relative of the hemp plant). Which presents itself with similar characteristics, indicating a theoretical possibility that the mutation is a real fact.