Kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree that is originally native to Southeast Asia. The tree belongs to the coffee family and is known for its leaves that contain a variety of alkaloids and other compounds. This is the part of the kratom plant that is most often consumed. The leaves of the kratom tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and in recent years, kratom has gained popularity as a supplement in Western cultures. In this blog we’ll go over kratom in general as well as break down some more specific questions on the subject.

Kratom as a Native Plant

To recap, kratom leaves harvested from kratom trees are becoming popular in the US after being used for decades in Southeast Asia.

Kratom trees grow in hot, humid climates- Southeast Asia primarily. Let’s go over the environment that kratom trees thrive in as well as a few facts about their growth.

The kratom tree can grow up to 82 feet tall and is typically found in areas with high humidity and plenty of rainfall. The leaves of the kratom tree are usually dark green in color and are harvested when they reach maturity, which is around 7 to 9 inches long. Depending on the type of kratom being harvested, the time until maturity can change. While kratom leaves mature, the color of the vein in the leaf changes color. The youngest kratom leaves have white veins, as they age the veins turn green, and fully mature kratom plants will have red veins. 

List of Places Where Kratom Grows Naturally:

Kratom trees can technically grow in the United States, but it isn’t the ideal environment for them. That’s why almost all of the kratom sold in the US is imported from other parts of the world. 

If you’re buying kratom in the US and wonder where it was most likely grown, there are a few options. The best way to find out where the kratom is from is to check the site you’re purchasing from- if they don’t make it obvious where their kratom comes from this is a potential red flag. Kratom companies should be able to provide this information to customers. If they don’t, it’s possible their sourcing is inconsistent, which could impact the consistency of their product quality. Here are some of the places your kratom may have been grown.

I’m Buying Kratom Online From the US- Where Was My Kratom Grown?

1. Indonesia: Large kratom farms exist in Indonesia, many of which have been around for generations. 
2. Malaysia: Known for its high-quality kratom strains, particularly the Malay strain.
3. Vietnam: A newer producer of kratom, but known for its high-quality strains.
4. Papua New Guinea: Known for its kratom strains that are said to have a unique alkaloid profile.
5. Myanmar: Known for producing kratom strains with higher levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent alkaloid.
6. Cambodia: A new producer of kratom, but known for its high-quality strains.
7. Laos: Known for its kratom strains that are said to have a unique alkaloid profile.
8. US: While kratom is not native to the US, it can technically be grown in the country. Growing kratom successfully in the US could prove to be a challenging task, however, as most parts of the US aren’t humid enough for the trees to thrive.
9. Thailand: Historically one of the main sources of kratom, but the government has banned its cultivation since 1943.

It is important to note that when buying kratom online, you should do your own research into the vendor. Try to make sure that the kratom is sourced from a reputable grower and that it is lab tested for safety and purity.

Final Thoughts

Kratom is a plant that grows in Southeast Asia. The leaves of kratom trees are 

When buying kratom in the US, the likelihood is that it was not grown in the country, or even on this continent. Most likely, your kratom was grown in Southeast Asia, where kratom is originally from and grows as a native plant. The kratom leaves are imported into the US from kratom farms in Asia, where they’re distributed by the kratom companies you are familiar with. The best way to find out where your kratom is coming from is to ask the people that you’re buying from- if your kratom company doesn’t share this information, it might not be the most trustworthy place to shop with.