Kratom is not offered in all parts of the world.
This herb has a lot of legal issues, which have kratom lovers looking for alternatives to kratom. In this guide, we will review all the different types of Mitragyna Plants. This will help you understand kratom better, as well as check out
some alternatives that could offer the solution that you are seeking.
What Is Kratom
Kratom is a part of the Rubiaceous family, which is better known as coffee. This tree is native to Southeast Asia and grows in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the main alkaloids in kratom.
There are many different strains available with the most popular being
Maeng Da, Borneo, and Bali. There are 4 different vein colors, which include red, white, green, and yellow. These vein colors all occur naturally except for yellow. Yellow vein kratom is the product of a specialized drying process.
The vein color indicates the maturity of the plant. Red vein kratom comes from the most mature leaves, while white vein kratom signifies the leaves are at the early stages of their life cycle. Green vein kratom falls right in the middle of red and white.
Kratom is often known by its origin and vein color. So, when you see a name like Red Borneo, you know that it is red vein kratom that originated in Borneo. This helps people to easily identify with the various strains of kratom.
Types of Mitragyna Plants
Mitragyna is one of the main alkaloids found in kratom. According to Wikipedia, “Mitragyna is a genus of trees.” These trees grow in tropical locations such as Asia and Africa. This genus of trees is packed with antimalarial and analgesic indole alkaloids. The Rubiaceous family is the 5th largest family of flowering plants.
#1 Mitragyna Diversifolia
The
Mitragyna diversifolia is a large tree that can reach up to 15 m high. This plant is also known as Mitragyna Javanica. The leaves on this tree are oblong and vary in size which average 146 x 93 mm. It is a flowering tree that also bears fruit. This tree grows in the wilds of China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. This herb is offered in whole leaves or powder form. It does also come in gel caps but these are not as widely available as the powder form.
#2 Mitragyna Hirsuta
Mitragyna Hirsuta grows naturally in Cambodia, China South-Central, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. This tree bears light green leaves with white veins that run through them. When compared to kratom leaves you will notice that Hirsuta leaves are smaller in size.
Hirsuta powder became very popular in Thailand after kratom was banned in this country. While Hirsuta is known to have similarity with kratom. A lot of Kratom lovers prefer Hirsuta for this reason. This herb contains high levels of the alkaloid mitraphylline. If you are looking for an alternative herb to kratom you may want to check out Hirsuta.
#3 Mitragyna Inermis
Mitragyna inermis is a tropical plant that can grow up to 16 m in height. The diameter of this shrub can reach up to 60 cm. Branches are known to form towards the bottom of the plant. This plant has been harvested for centuries for its wood and dye. It grows in parts of Africa including Senegal, Sudan, and Zaire.
#4 Mitragyna Parvifolia
Mitragyna parvifolia is native to Asia, including countries such as India and Sri Lanka. This plant has been known for centuries in Asian culture. It can grow up to 50 feet in height, and its branches can span up to 15 feet. It produces a yellow flower that grows in a ball-like cluster. The leaves of the tree are dark green.
#5 Mitragyna Rotundifolia
Mitragyna Rotundifolia can grow up to 30 m in height. This tree is also known as Roundleaf Kadamb. This medium-sized tree has elliptical, oblong leaves. The leaves measure 1.3 to 5 x 0.5 to 3 cm. They are flowering shrubs that are found in the East Himalayas, China, and Southeast Asia.
#6 Mitragyna Speciosa
Mitragyna speciosa is also known as kratom. This is the most well-known herb in the Mitragyna family. As we mentioned above it grows throughout Southeast Asia. It has been utilized for centuries in Asian culture. It is offered in
powders,
extracts,
capsules, shots, and more. It seems that more and more kratom products are coming to market all the time. However, more research is required to truly understand kratom and what it has to offer.
#7 Mitragyna Tubulosa
Mitragyna tubulosa grows in Peninsular India within the Western Ghats. This deciduous tree can grow up to 15 m tall. It produces yellow flowers and has small oblong leaves.
Quick Overview: Types of Mitragyna Plants
Mitragyna is a genus of tropical trees found mainly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of Africa. The most well-known species is Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom.
While kratom faces legal restrictions in some regions, other Mitragyna species such as Mitragyna hirsuta and Mitragyna javanica (diversifolia) are often explored as botanical alternatives. Each Mitragyna plant differs in geographic origin, alkaloid profile and leaf structure, making it important to understand how they compare.
This guide explains the seven primary types of Mitragyna plants, how they differ from kratom, and why some are considered alternatives in regions where kratom availability is limited.
FAQS
What is Mitragyna?
Mitragyna is a genus of flowering trees in the Rubiaceae (coffee) family. These trees grow in tropical regions of Asia and Africa and contain naturally occurring alkaloids.
Is kratom the only Mitragyna plant?
No. Kratom is Mitragyna speciosa, but there are several other Mitragyna species, including hirsuta, diversifolia, inermis, parvifolia, rotundifolia, and tubulosa.
Which Mitragyna plant is kratom?
Kratom comes specifically from Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia.
Is Mitragyna hirsuta the same as kratom?
No. Mitragyna hirsuta is a different species. It is often described as milder and contains different alkaloids than kratom.
Why do people look for Mitragyna alternatives to kratom?
People may seek alternatives due to legal restrictions or personal preference. Some people prefer milder botanical options.
Do all Mitragyna plants contain mitragynine?
No. Mitragynine is primarily associated with Mitragyna speciosa. Other species contain different alkaloids.
Where do Mitragyna plants grow naturally?
They grow in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and parts of Africa, depending on the species.
Conclusion
While kratom faces legal issues in many parts of the world, the other Mitragyna plants do not. They may be viable alternatives to kratom, but you should always consult with your physician before starting any new herbs or supplements. This will help them decide what supplements are best for you to try.
