8 mutations and anomalies that give the cannabis plant a special look
As with many species of 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 producers. It means the order in which the leaves are planted on the stem. Thus, it causes three leaves instead of the usual two. And subsequently produces an excess branch on the same node.
Although symptoms can help in getting a more bountiful harvest, this mutation is negligible as 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 plants, as shown in the picture.
polyploid
The Polyploid is an organism of mutation which obliges to accommodate twice as many chromosomes necessary. The polyploidy phenomenon of cannabis occurs when there is a problem in the cellular processes of the plant during the growth phase. Apart from 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 the quality of the products and could even harm the plant. In addition, 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 happens when the usual flowers grow from the ends of stems and branches. In addition, 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 palmate between the tips of the leaves, resulting in the leaves resembling a duck's foot and not really reminiscent of cannabis.
Plus, plants with this mutation produce a crop that doesn't really have a cannabis-like smell. It is one of the mutations most sought after by growers. On the one hand for its shape and on the other hand for its smell. This allows for natural camouflage.
Polymeric Seeds or Polyembryonic Seeds
Another mutation that exists in cannabis seeds: polymer seeds. This will produce more than one germ and therefore, during germination we will find two germs or more.
If treated with care, the sprouts will be enough to remove the seed shell 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 look like cannabis, and leaf growth is short and elliptical.
The first mutation discovered was low in THC and came close to hemp. Subsequently, a number of Australian producers tried to incorporate hybrid species. To date, we do not know anyone who has experience with these strange southern genes.
Cannabis vine
One of the rarest mutations in the world of cannabis cultivation (and one which still leaves several question marks) would be "the cannabis vine". It would appear that the growers who have tried to breed and combine varieties made from Australian mongrel. Thus, they managed to reproduce a spiral growing cannabis plant in the form of a vine.
Even the shape of the leaves and flowers of these cultivated plants has nothing to do with classic cannabis leaves. But rather it would look like a possible mutation of hops (a distant relative of the hemp plant). Which presents itself by similar characteristics, indicating a theoretical possibility that the mutation is a real fact.
