How do kratom strains get their names?

Kratom in red, green and white

From a scientific perspective, there is only one kratom tree species (Mitragyna speciosa). This tree can produce leaves with red, green or white veins – sometimes even all colors on the same branch. Many vendors do not separate their kratom strains according to vein color or leaf shape (e.g., “Horned Kratom” with a curved leaf tip), but simply mix the leaves together. The color usually develops through spontaneous fermentation processes during drying. In this process, the green leaf pigment chlorophyll is broken down, which can lead to a color change of the resulting powder. In addition, the alkaloid profile can also change, as fermentation can transform mitragynine into 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is not originally present in the kratom leaf.

Our long-standing suppliers take a different approach: for example, in the case of leaves with clearly recognizable red veins, a careful distinction is made between Borneo Red and other kratom strains.

Meaning of kratom colors

  • Green kratom – Balanced and versatile, often described as a middle ground.
  • Red kratom – Traditionally associated with calm and relaxation.
  • White kratom – Often linked to energy and clarity.

Those who want to order kratom usually first come across these three basic kratom strains.

Why the names of kratom strains can be confusing

The naming of kratom strains often causes confusion. Many consumers believe that the name consists of origin + vein color, for example Bali Red, Green Malay, or White Indo.

But here’s the problem:

  • Bali kratom – There are no kratom plantations in Bali. So “Bali Red” does not actually come from there.
  • Malaysia & Vietnam – In both countries kratom is banned. Legal cultivation is not possible there.
  • Prices – Exotic-sounding strains like “Vietnam kratom” usually cost the same as ordinary Indonesian kratom – a sign that the origin is invented.

The truth is: many names are purely marketing terms, created to make strains seem more exotic.

Red Vein Kratom

Marketing Myths: Horned & Elephant Kratom

In addition to country names, designations such as Horned Kratom or Elephant Kratom also appear:

  • Horned Kratom – Although there are leaves with “horn-like” tips, these are usually mixed with regular leaves. The name is therefore misleading.
  • Elephant Kratom – Allegedly made from particularly large leaves. However, some suppliers mix in leaves from other plants (e.g. Mitragyna hirsuta) – or even entirely different plants.

For this reason, we do not offer “Elephant Kratom” varieties, as we place great importance on the excellent and consistent quality of our kratom powder.

White Vein Kratom

Why there are so many kratom strains

In Borneo, some exporters advertise more than 50 different kratom strains. However, this does not mean that there are actually that many – rather, sellers respond to the demand for a variety of names and simply invent them.

We remain honest and transparent:

  • We focus on essential kratom strains such as Borneo Red, White and Green.
  • „Bali“ or „Thai“ are only offered as our own blends of the basic strains, and we communicate this openly.

Our promise: transparency & quality when ordering kratom

We do not sell kratom strains from Vietnam or Malaysia, as we cannot guarantee their authenticity and do not want to support illegal trade structures. In Thailand, kratom was legalized a few years ago, but there are still no reliable trade structures that could supply us regularly with high-quality Thai kratom.

Instead, we focus on:

  • Authentic kratom products, sourced directly from our partner farm
  • Open communication about origin and production
  • Honest descriptions, so that customers know exactly what they are ordering

If you want to order kratom and value consistent quality and truly meaningful properties (for example, a guaranteed mitragynine content), then try our bigtrea® Premium Kratom standardized.