The Mitragyna speciosa tree, better known as kratom, is an interesting tropical tree that comes from Southeast Asia. What is this tree, and why is it special? Kratom is a member of the Rubiaceae family-the same family as the coffee plant. For hundreds of years, its shiny, dark green leaves have been used in local medicine and customs. In this article, we will look at the basic facts about the Mitragyna speciosa tree, including its scientific classification, looks, main chemicals, and how it’s grown.
What Is the Mitragyna speciosa Tree?
The Mitragyna speciosa tree, or kratom, plays a big role in the ecology and traditions of Southeast Asia. This evergreen tree can grow quite tall and thick in its natural environment. The leaves are the most valued part of the tree, known for their various uses-something that has drawn the interest of people around the world.
Scientific Classification and Botanical Family
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Rubiaceae (coffee family) |
| Genus | Mitragyna |
| Species | M. speciosa |
Mitragyna speciosa is found in the coffee family, sharing a relationship with coffee plants. The first written description was in 1839 by a Dutch botanist named Pieter Korthals. He first called it Stephegyne speciosa. The plant was later renamed by George Darby Haviland in 1859. The term “Mitragyna” was inspired by the shape of the leaves and flowers, which reminded the botanist of a bishop’s hat.
Common and Local Names
Besides its scientific name, people in Thailand call it ‘kratom,’ ‘kakuam,’ ‘ithang,’ ‘thom,’ or ‘maeng da.’ In Malaysia, it’s known as ‘biak-biak’ or ‘ketum.’ These names show how the tree is woven into the culture and language of the region. In Western countries, ‘kratom’ is the most widely used name, but knowing the local names helps to see its importance in Southeast Asia.
Where Does the Mitragyna speciosa Tree Grow?
Mitragyna speciosa is native to Southeast Asia, growing best in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. The tree needs a warm, humid climate with lots of rain and sun, especially strong UV rays. It thrives in rich, moist soil. Although it’s grown outside of its home region, copying these growing conditions elsewhere can be difficult. In cooler places, it usually has to be kept in pots and protected from cold weather.
Botanical Relatives and Comparison
To better understand the Mitragyna speciosa tree, it helps to see where it fits among its relatives. Looking at other members of the Mitragyna genus and the larger Rubiaceae family helps show what makes kratom stand out.
Other Mitragyna Species
The Mitragyna genus includes other species found in Africa, India, and different parts of Asia. While all these plants are related, Mitragyna speciosa is different because of the unique effects of its leaves. Some people may use leaves of Mitragyna javanica or Mitragyna parvifolia if kratom isn’t available, but these don’t act the same way. More than 30 alkaloids have been discovered in the Mitragyna genus, with most being indole or oxindole types. However, the well-known effects of kratom mostly come from the Mitragyna speciosa species.
Kratom’s Connection to the Coffee Family (Rubiaceae)
The Rubiaceae family includes many important plants, including coffee. Coffee is famous for its caffeine, which wakes you up, while kratom’s main chemicals-mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine-affect opioid receptors in the body, giving it different effects. Even though kratom and coffee come from the same plant family, they affect the body in very different ways.
What Does the Kratom Tree Look Like?
The Mitragyna speciosa tree is easy to recognize. Its size and look give it an edge in the wild and make it special to those who use its leaves.
Tree Height, Trunk, and Leaves
- Tree height: Usually 4 to 16 meters (13-52 feet), sometimes up to 25 meters (82 feet) or even 30.5 meters (100 feet)
- Trunk: Straight and thick, up to 0.9 meters (3 feet) wide, with smooth grey bark
- Leaves: Dark green, shiny, grow in pairs, oval with a pointed end; each leaf 14-20 cm (5.5-7.9 in) long and 7-12 cm (2.8-4.7 in) wide
- Veins: 12-17 pairs per leaf; veins can be greenish-white or red (some believe greenish-white is stronger)
Flowers and Pollination
- Flowers: Small, round bunches, deep yellow, grow at the end of branches
- Each cluster can have up to 120 tiny flowers
- The flower tube (calyx) is 2 mm long; the corolla tube is 2.5-3 mm long
- After insects pollinate the flowers, they form fruit capsules with flat seeds
- The seeds are small, but not all can grow into new trees easily
Lifespan and Growth Cycle
The Mitragyna speciosa tree keeps its leaves year-round in tropical weather. It needs warmth, high humidity, and lots of water, and does poorly during dry periods. It likes soil rich in nitrogen. This explains why the tree grows so well only in certain environments.
Main Chemicals in Kratom
The real reason for kratom’s popularity is its natural chemicals. The leaves contain a mix of substances-especially alkaloids-that have drawn the attention of researchers and traditional users alike.
Active Compounds in Kratom
Over 50 alkaloids and many other plant chemicals are found in kratom. The leaves also have saponins, iridoids, triterpenoids (like ursolic acid and oleanic acid), and polyphenols (like apigenin and quercetin). Even though there are many different chemicals, two alkaloids are the most important: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine
| Alkaloid | Amount in Leaf | Main Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Mitragynine | Up to 66% (depending on origin) | Binds to opioid receptors; main active compound |
| 7-hydroxymitragynine | About 2% (much stronger than mitragynine) | Also acts on opioid receptors; more potent |
Both of these chemicals attach to opioid receptors in the human body. Unlike classic opioids, though, they don’t cause as much risk for breathing problems and some other common side effects. Mitragynine also works through other pathways, affecting pain, alertness, mood, and more.
How Kratom Alkaloids Are Made in the Plant
The tree creates its alkaloids through a multi-step process using the shikimate and mevalonate pathways. Two starting chemicals-tryptamine and secologanin-are combined by strictosidine synthase, an enzyme. The full process is still being studied, as scientists want to know more about how the plant controls alkaloid production and how the different chemicals impact their effects.
Growing and Cultivating Kratom
Growing a healthy Mitragyna speciosa tree takes the right weather, soil, and some know-how.
Ideal Climate and Soil
- Tropical weather: Warm temperatures year-round, high humidity, and regular rainfall
- Soil: Very fertile and rich in nitrogen; likes wet, almost soggy soil (different from most plants)
- Drought: Does badly in dry conditions; needs lots of water
- In cold areas: Best grown in pots inside to avoid frost damage, but may stay small
Propagating and Planting
- Seeds: Fresh seeds work best; many seeds are needed just to get a few new plants
- Cuttings: Hard to root, often moldy; need high humidity (plastic bag trick) and gentle light until roots appear
- Seedlings: Slowly get used to drier air and more sunlight as they grow
Harvesting and Processing Kratom Leaves
- Leaves are picked when mature for highest alkaloid content
- After harvest, leaves are dried and then crushed or ground into powder
- Some people chew fresh or dried leaves, while others brew them into tea (often adding lemon and sugar to help with flavor and alkaloid release)
- Extra strong products-like pastes or resins-are made by boiling down the leaves into thick extracts
The way the leaves are picked, dried, and prepared changes the taste, color, and strength of the kratom. These steps matter a lot to those who use kratom for its effects.