Mauritius by The Landrace Team: A Comprehensive Strain Guide

Origins and Cultural History of the Mauritius Landrace Sativa

Mauritius, a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean at roughly 20.2°S latitude, provides the climatic backdrop that shaped this distinctive landrace sativa. The strain known as Mauritius was stewarded and offered to modern growers by The Landrace Team, a group recognized for preserving regional cannabis genetics with minimal hybridization. In practice, that means seeds reflect heterogeneous island-adapted populations rather than uniform, heavily inbred lines. The result is a living snapshot of how cannabis acclimatized to maritime trade winds, tropical humidity, and long seasons of consistent sunlight.

Historically, Mauritius has been a crossroads for African, Indian, and Southeast Asian peoples, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries. Sugarcane dominated agriculture—occupying well over half of cultivated land for much of the 20th century—yet smallholder and informal cultivation of cannabis persisted in pockets. Indian indentured laborers and traders likely introduced ganja-type sativas from the subcontinent, while maritime links to Madagascar, Mozambique, and the wider Swahili coast would have facilitated seed flow from African sativas. Over generations, this admixture adapted to local soils, humidity, and photoperiod, creating a distinct island expression.

Modern discussions of Mauritius’s cannabis must acknowledge the legal context on the island. As of early 2024, sources that track global policy, such as CannaConnection’s legal status pages, classify recreational cannabis as illegal in Mauritius, with penalties that can be significant. This status has historically kept cultivation discreet and limited formal documentation about local chemotypes. Consequently, landrace preservation relies on collectors and breeders like The Landrace Team who prioritize conservation.

Climatically, coastal Mauritius maintains average daytime highs of 26–30°C in summer and 20–26°C in winter, with humidity often in the 70–85% range. Trade winds (predominantly southeasterly) and widely variable rainfall—around 1,000–2,000+ mm annually depending on microclimate—shape plant architecture and disease pressure. The central plateau can receive substantially more rain than leeward coasts, encouraging selection for airflow-friendly, loose floral clusters. Such conditions favor sativa phenotypes with long internodes, narrow leaflets, and resilience against fungal pathogens.

Culturally, traditional use in the Indian Ocean basin tended toward daytime, social, and spiritual contexts, aligning with the uplifting qualities associated with tropical sativas. Reports from older growers and ethnobotanical notes describe citrusy, herbal aromatics characteristic of terpinolene-forward cultivars. While rigorous historical records are sparse, the sensory profile, plant structure, and environmental fit collectively point to a long-standing sativa heritage. The Landrace Team’s Mauritius aims to conserve this profile rather than remodel it to modern hybrid benchmarks.

Genetic Lineage and Preservation

The Mauritius strain offered by The Landrace Team is best understood as an island landrace sativa rather than a fixed hybrid cross. In practical terms, “landrace” denotes populations shaped by local selection pressures and traditional cultivation, not deliberately designed pedigrees. This naturally yields phenotypic variability in height, resin coverage, flowering time, and chemotype, even within the same seed lot. For collectors and breeders, that variability is a feature, not a bug, allowing phenohunting for targeted traits.

Mauritius’s genetic story plausibly weaves inputs from Indian subcontinental sativas and African coastal sativas carried across historical trade routes. Island ecology tends to enforce certain convergent traits: long flowering cycles (12–16 weeks), narrow leaves, and airy, mold-resilient flowers. Compared with continental African sativas like those from Malawi or Mozambique, Mauritian expressions can be slightly more citrus-herbal and less intensely spicy, though overlaps are common. Expect outliers, including incense-forward, piney, or sweet tropical phenotypes.

The Landrace Team typically provides regular seeds, which carry a roughly 50:50 male-to-female distribution under standard conditions. This enables breeders to explore both pollen and seed lines, facilitating ongoing preservation and adaptation. Because landrace seed lots are heterogenous, careful selection across several generations can stabilize a house phenotype without losing core island traits. Growers who want uniformity can perform filial selections; preservationists may prefer to maintain a broader gene pool.

From a conservation perspective, island landraces are vulnerable to genetic swamping when modern hybrids are introduced. The value in The Landrace Team’s Mauritius lies in its relative authenticity and the ecological knowledge embedded in its genome. For instance, selection for taller statures, strong lateral branching, and leaner flowers reflects survival against wind shear and high humidity. Such genetics can be invaluable in breeding programs targeting climate resilience.

Because landrace populations seldom come with commercial lab catalogs, data often emerge from community testing and grow logs. Documented ranges for equatorial sativas generally include THC variability from the high-single digits to mid-teens, with occasional higher outliers after selection. Minor cannabinoids like THCV can be present in meaningful but modest quantities compared with classic African THCV standouts. These ranges help orient expectations while honoring the diversity within the seed lot.

Appearance and Plant Morphology

Mauritius expresses classic tropical sativa morphology: tall, flexible frames with long internodal spacing. Indoors, untrained plants easily exceed 120–160 cm, and outdoors they can surpass 250–350 cm in favorable seasons. Leaflets are slim and often number 9–13 per fan leaf, presenting a deep serration pattern and a lighter green hue during fast growth. Mature leaves can take on a darker, glossy sheen when nitrogen is sufficient.

Branching tends to be vigorous, with lateral arms that stretch 50–100% of the main stem length if topped early. The plant’s architecture thrives with good airflow, a natural adaptation to high-humidity, windy island conditions. Stems are fibrous and resilient, tolerating gentle sway and coastal breezes of 15–30 km/h. Stake or trellis early to manage vertical reach and prevent wind damage late in flower.

Flowers form in elongated spears and ladders of calyxes rather than dense, golf-ball clusters. Calyx-to-leaf ratios can be favorable, but overall density remains moderate to airy, reducing the risk of botrytis under humid conditions. Over a 12–16 week flowering period, pistils shift from bright white to apricot and finally rust-orange. Resin coverage is evident but often appears as a fine, sparkling frost rather than the chunky trichome carpets common in modern indica-leaning hybrids.

Trichome heads on tropical sativas often cluster in the 60–80 micron range, with a visible blend of stalked and sessile glandular structures. When grown at lower temperatures late in flower (e.g., night temps of 18–20°C), some expressions may show subtle anthocyanin blushes on calyx tips. However, the default palette remains lime to emerald green with amber pistils. Mature bracts retain a sleek, aerodynamic profile that encourages internal airflow.

Seed-grown populations reveal noticeable variation in stretch, node spacing, and bud structure. Some phenotypes show mild foxtailing under high PPFD or heat stress, a common adaptive response in equatorial sativas. Others remain more linear, producing cleaner spears with fewer secondary calyx stacks. All benefit from careful canopy management to balance light penetration and avoid over-illumination stress.

Aroma and Bouquet

The Mauritius landrace commonly presents a bright, terpene-rich bouquet that reads as citrus-herbal with tropical nuance. Dominant notes often include sweet lemon, green mango, and lemongrass, interlaced with fresh pine and tea-leaf bitterness. As flowers ripen, secondary tones of white pepper, incense, and light anise may surface. The nose is clean, uplifting, and more zesty than sugary.

During early flower, volatile monoterpenes give a fresh, airy quality with terpinolene and ocimene frequently in the foreground. As resin matures, limonene and beta-caryophyllene build structure, lending a soft, peppery backbone. In drying rooms, expect the space to smell like citrus groves and cut herbs, with hints of resinous wood. Proper slow dries preserve these top notes better than fast, warm dries.

Compared with mainland African sativas, Mauritius can be slightly more citrus-forward and less overtly spicy, though individual phenotypes defy generalizations. Expressions leaning pine-incense feel reminiscent of East African coastlines, while mango-lime phenos echo South Asian sativas. The volatile profile responds strongly to cultivation environment; high VPD and excessive heat can mute brightness. Conversely, disciplined curing unusually enhances tea, lemongrass, and pepper facets.

Grinding a cured flower releases sharper citrus and herb top notes, followed by a cool, resinous echo. The bag appeal is all about freshness rather than dessert-like sweetness. Consumers often describe the aroma as “clean and active,” setting the stage for daytime use. Aromatic intensity typically lands in the medium-high range on well-grown samples.

Because landraces are genetically diverse, expect some phenos to deviate with floral or eucalyptus accents. Even so, the broader aroma family remains congruent with terpinolene-forward sativas. Growers who dial in a 10–14 day slow dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH report notably preserved top notes. Short, hot dries correlate with duller, homogenized citrus and a loss of herbal sparkle.

Flavor and Mouthfeel

On the palate, Mauritius tilts toward lime zest, sweet citrus peel, and green tea, framed by a light pepper nose. The first draw can carry lemongrass and a faint mango-pine interplay, with a clean exhale reminiscent of eucalyptus and resinous wood. The aftertaste often lingers as a cool, slightly bitter green—think tea tannins and citrus pith. This profile suits vaporization at moderate temperatures where monoterpenes shine.

Combustion at lower temperatures (175–190°C in vaporizers) emphasizes terpinolene and ocimene, yielding refreshing and effervescent flavors. At higher temperatures (200–210°C), beta-caryophyllene and humulene emerge with peppery, herbal weight. In joints, the smoke is typically light-bodied but aromatic, coating the palate without syrupy sweetness. Many users find the finish notably dry and clean, facilitating daytime consumption.

Compared with dessert-centric modern hybrids, Mauritius is more botanical and citrus-herbal. Sugar notes are understated, allowing green and pine elements to play a bigger role. Phenotypes with stronger limonene expression can taste brighter and sweeter, while myrcene-leaners present softer, muskier edges. Overall, the flavor arc confirms its sativa lineage and tropical heritage.

Curing practice dramatically impacts taste clarity and length. A minimum 4-week cure in stable, cool conditions (15–18°C, 58–62% RH) yields markedly smoother draws and more defined herbal lines. Overly fast drying flattens the citrus top notes and muddies the tea-like finish. Patience rewards the full register of island aromatics.

For concentrates, light hydrocarbon or low-temp rosin pressing can capture the citrus-herb profile with surprising fidelity. Longer purge times or high-temp presses risk driving off the most volatile monoterpenes. Many extractors report the aroma translating better than expected for a landrace, provided the input material is very fresh and the process is gentle. The result is a crisp, botanical concentrate rather than a confectionary one.

Cannabinoid Profile and Potency

Because Mauritius is a preserved, heterogenous landrace sativa, potency spans a broad range depending on phenotype and cultivation. Equatorial sativas traditionally register THC from about 8–16% in unselected populations, with occasional outliers that surpass 18% after careful selection and optimal growth. CBD tends to be low, commonly below 1%, and often below 0.3% in resin-focused phenotypes. CBG usually falls in the 0.2–0.6% band when tested late in flower.

THCV presence in island and African-adjacent sativas is of particular interest. While Mauritius is unlikely to match the very high THCV of certain Southern African cultivars, trace-to-moderate levels (e.g., 0.2–0.8%) are plausible and have been observed in related tropical sativa contexts. THCV expression is genotype-dependent and can vary with harvest timing; earlier harvests sometimes preserve a higher ratio of minor varinoids. If THCV is a target, preserving phenotypic diversity and testing multiple plants is recommended.

Total terpene content typically lands between 1.0–2.5% by dry weight in well-cultivated flowers. Higher terpene totals enhance perceived potency due to entourage effects, even when THC is moderate. Users often report fast-onset, cerebral effects consistent with terpinolene-forward chemotypes, which can feel stronger than the THC number alone suggests. This phenomenon is well-noted across multiple sativa-dominant cultivars.

For dosing, the long, clear arc of sativa effects can run 2.5–4 hours depending on delivery method, tolerance, and set/setting. First-time users might begin with 1–2 inhalations, wait 10–15 minutes, and titrate slowly to avoid over-stimulation. Those sensitive to racy sativas should prefer vaporization at lower temperatures to modulate onset intensity. As always, laboratory testing of specific batches is ideal for precise cannabinoid figures.

Given legal constraints in Mauritius, standardized local lab data are scarce, and most quantitative insights come from conservation and hobbyist communities abroad. Growers are encouraged to test samples where legally available to track THC, THCV, and terpene ratios. Doing so not only informs personal use but also supports data-driven preservation of the line. Over time, shared analytics can narrow expected ranges for the Mauritius landrace.

Terpene Profile and Volatile Chemistry

Mauritius frequently leans terpinolene-dominant, a hallmark of many uplifting sativas. In terpene charts and explanatory resources published through early 2024, terpinolene is consistently associated with fresh, citrusy, and piney aromatics linked to energetic effects. In well-grown samples, terpinolene may register around 0.3–0.8% by weight, with total terpenes around 1.0–2.5%. The exact percentages vary by phenotype and cultivation conditions.

Secondary monoterpenes typically include beta-ocimene (0.2–0.6%) and limonene (0.1–0.4%). Myrcene levels can be moderate (0.2–0.7%), lending a soft, fruity-musk undertone without dominating the bouquet. Sesquiterpenes like beta-caryophyllene (0.1–0.3%) and humulene (0.05–0.2%) add peppery, herbal structure and enhance vapor density. Trace linalool, terpineol, and eucalyptol may appear in select plants.

Environmental control strongly shapes the final terpene expression. Night temperatures of 18–20°C and controlled VPD during late flower help retain volatile monoterpenes. Overly warm dries (>22–24°C) or rapid dehydration strips terpinolene, yielding flatter, less dimensional aromatics. Similarly, high-PPFD stress without adequate nutrients and CO2 can skew biosynthesis and reduce total terpenes.

Litigation of exact terpene proportions is less meaningful than observing consistent families and sensory motifs. Across phenotypes, the dominant family remains citrus-herbal-pine, with occasional floral or anise accents. The herbal “green tea” impression likely reflects an interplay between terpinolene, ocimene, and subtle eucalyptol. Each pheno’s ratio within this family determines whether the nose is zesty-bright or resinous-cool.

For growers aiming to steer the profile, potassium and sulfur sufficiency during weeks 6–12 of flower is critical to terpene biosynthesis. Gentle defoliation that improves airflow without overexposing bracts reduces oxidative terpene loss. Finally, a 10–14 day slow dry at 55–60% RH preserves headspace concentration better than short, warm dries. These process choices directly translate to a more vivid Mauritius bouquet.

Experiential Effects and User Reports

Mauritius expresses a classic sativa experience: bright, alert, and mentally spacious. Onset tends to be fast—often within the first 2–5 minutes of inhalation—reaching a clear peak by 15–20 minutes. Users commonly report enhanced focus, sensory acuity, and a light, buoyant mood. The absence of heavy body sedation makes it a daytime favorite for creative or outdoor activities.

The mental tone is often described as clear rather than chaotic, though overconsumption can introduce edginess and racing thoughts. Individuals sensitive to stimulatory cannabis should titrate slowly and consider lower-temperature vaporization. Physiologically, a mild increase in heart rate and dry mouth are the most frequently noted effects. Paradoxically, appetite suppression can occur if THCV is present in meaningful amounts.

Duration generally runs 2.5–4 hours depending on dose and tolerance. The plateau is productive for tasks that require divergent thinking or flow-state engagement, such as design, writing, or hiking. The comedown is smooth, often without the lethargy that accompanies heavier indica-leaning cultivars. Users rarely report heavy couchlock unless doses are very high.

When compared with other landrace sativas, Mauritius feels less jagged than some high-THCV African lines but more activating than mellow Indo-Pacific sativas. The citrus-herbal profile subtly mirrors the cognitive brightness felt subjectively. In social settings, the strain tends to be chatty and upbeat without becoming overstimulating if doses are moderate. With larger doses, sensory intensity and introspection increase appreciably.

As always, set and setting matter. Caffeine co-administration can compound stimulation, so sensitive users may avoid pairing. Music, nature, and creative tasks often feel enhanced, while anxiety-prone users might prefer quiet, familiar environments for first trials. A conservative first session helps calibrate an ideal working dose.

Potential Medical Applications

While clinical research on specific landraces like Mauritius is limited, its sativa-leaning chemotype suggests several potential applications. The alert, mood-elevating profile may be useful for low-energy states and anhedonia, consistent with user reports for terpinolene-forward sativas. Daytime functionality without heavy sedation can support activity-based symptom management. Such profiles are often explored for depression-related fatigue and motivational deficits.

Preliminary research into THCV has examined glycemic control and metabolic signaling, including a 2016 pilot study in type 2 diabetes patients where THCV demonstrated improvements in fasting plasma glucose. If a Mauritius phenotype expresses moderate THCV, some users may notice appetite modulation or smoother energy utilization. However, THCV levels in flower usually remain modest, and smoking or vaporizing delivers small absolute milligram quantities. As such, therapeutic expectations should be conservative unless standardized extracts are used.

The citrus-herbal terpene family may contribute to perceived cognitive clarity. Terpinolene and limonene have been discussed in the literature for potential anxiolytic and mood-elevating properties, though findings are mixed and often model-specific. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism can have anti-inflammatory potential, which some patients find relevant for mild inflammatory discomforts. The combination of these terpenes with moderate THC may offer a balanced daytime effect for certain individuals.

For nausea and motion sensitivity, fast-onset sativas sometimes provide quick relief without sedation. Migraineurs occasionally prefer clear sativas for prodrome phases, though responses are highly individual. Attention-related challenges may benefit from the alertness Mauritius provides, but overstimulation is possible in sensitive users. Careful titration and journaling are recommended to map personal response windows.

Legally and medically, patients should consult clinicians and comply with local laws. In Mauritius itself, recreational use remains illegal, and medical frameworks are limited; patients should verify current policy through reliable trackers and national health authorities. Where legal, lab testing for each batch ensures consistent outcomes by quantifying THC, minor cannabinoids, and terpene ratios. This data-driven approach is crucial for translating a landrace’s variability into stable therapeutic routines.

Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure

Mauritius is a tropical sativa that rewards patience and environmental precision. The Landrace Team generally releases regular seeds with approximately 50% males, making early sex identification essential. Germinate at 24–26°C with 95–100% RH in domes; viable, fresh seeds commonly show 80–95% germination when stored properly. Transplant into a well-aerated medium within 48–72 hours of radicle emergence to avoid damping-off.

Medium and nutrition: Use a light, fast-draining base with 30–40% perlite or pumice and ample aeration. Coco blends or living soils both work; target soil pH 6.3–6.8 or coco/hydro pH 5.8–6.2. Feed lightly in early veg (EC 0.6–1.0), stepping to EC 1.2–1.6 by late veg. In flower, many phenotypes respond well to EC 1.4–1.8 early and 1.6–2.0 in mid-late bloom, with a 10–14 day low-EC finish for flavor.

Photoperiod and lighting: Being near-equatorial, Mauritius initiates flower reliably under 11/13 or 12/12 but often benefits from 11/13 to curb excessive stretch. Target PPFD 400–600 µmol/m²/s in late veg and 700–900 µmol/m²/s in flower, aiming for a daily light integral (DLI) of 35–50 mol/m²/day. CO2 at 900–1,200 ppm can improve vigor and terpene retention if temperatures and nutrients are dialed. Keep day temps 26–30°C and nights 20–22°C to mirror island conditions.

Canopy management: Expect notable stretch in the first 3–4 weeks of flower. Top or FIM in weeks 3–5 of veg, then train with a wide SCROG to control height and open the interior. Avoid heavy defoliation; instead, thin selectively to maintain airflow and minimize shade leaves covering bud sites. Stable trellising prevents wind or fan damage to long colas late in bloom.

Humidity and VPD: Maintain 65–70% RH in early veg, 55–65% in late veg, 50–60% in early bloom, and 48–55% in late bloom. VPD targets of 1.2–1.6 kPa in veg, tapering to 0.9–1.2 kPa in late flower, reduce pathogen risk while supporting stomatal function. Remember that airy flowers are a defense against botrytis, but prolonged leaf wetness still invites issues. Strong oscillating airflow and regular canopy spacing are mandatory.

Feeding strategy: Tropical sativas are efficient nitrogen users but can burn if pushed aggressively. Keep nitrogen moderate after week 4 of flower, while strengthening phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur to support terpene and resin synthesis. Calcium and magnesium should remain adequate, especially under LED lighting and CO2 enrichment. Silica supplements can improve stem strength and mitigate heat stress.

Watering rhythm: Mauritius prefers light, frequent irrigations rather than heavy, infrequent soakings in high-aeration media. Aim for 10–15% runoff in coco/hydro systems to prevent salt buildup. In organic soils, water to field capacity and allow partial dry-back to maintain oxygen at the root zone. Avoid chronic overwatering, which depresses root metabolism and terpene formation.

Pest and disease management: Common greenhouse pests include spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, and leafhoppers. Integrated pest management with Amblyseius swirskii, A. californicus, and Encarsia formosa can keep populations low. For fungal issues, prioritize environmental control and use Bacillus subtilis or potassium bicarbonate preventively against powdery mildew. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is effective for caterpillar control in outdoor or greenhouse contexts.

Outdoor cultivation: In subtropical or tropical latitudes, Mauritius can reach 250–350+ cm with long, elegant colas. Plant after the last heavy rains and provide windbreaks in exposed sites; trade winds commonly run 15–30 km/h. Space plants generously (1.5–2.0+ meters apart) to leverage airflow and sunlight penetration. In temperate zones, choose the warmest microclimate and consider a light-dep program to ensure a timely finish.

Flowering time and harvest window: Expect 12–16 weeks of 12/12, depending on phenotype, with early finishers showing cloudy trichomes around weeks 12–13. Inspect resin with a 60–100× scope; harvest when most trichomes are cloudy with a modest amber fraction (5–10%) for a bright, uplifting effect. Plants harvested very early can feel jittery, while very late harvests drift more sedative. Calibrate to the desired effect profile.

Yield expectations: Indoors, 350–500 g/m² is realistic for disciplined SCROG grows with adequate veg time and high PPFD. Outdoors in favorable climates, 400–700 g/plant is attainable with large root volumes and full-season sun. Yield is secondary to quality in landraces; prioritize airflow, light management, and slow curing to showcase the profile. Overpacking density can backfire in humid conditions.

Drying and curing: Dry for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with steady, gentle airflow that does not blow directly on flowers. Once stems snap rather than bend, jar at 58–62% RH and burp as needed, monitoring water activity. Cure for 4–8+ weeks to unlock the citrus-herbal complexity typical of Mauritius. Avoid rapid dries, which strip monoterpenes and flatten the experience.

Seed selection and preservation: Because regular seeds present variability, consider running 6–10 females to evaluate a representative slice of the population. Select for the combination of vigor, mold resilience, and the citrus-herbal nose that defines the line. Preserve a male and female pair from top-performing phenotypes for future seed runs to maintain genetic continuity. Keep detailed records to track trait inheritance over generations.

Legal note: Always verify local regulations before germinating or cultivating. Mauritius itself maintains strict laws regarding cannabis; growers should consult current legal summaries from reputable trackers like CannaConnection and official government notices. Preservation efforts typically occur in jurisdictions that permit seed collection and research cultivation. Compliance protects both growers and the long-term conservation of landraces.