Ah, the deep purple hues of a cannabis flower, have you ever stopped to admire and ponder their beauty? I have, and I'll tell you what, it's a fascinating subject!
So, what gives cannabis its lovely purple hue? The answer lies in the pigments of Anthocyanins and/or Anthocyanidins. These pigments, derived from the Greek words Anthos meaning flower and Kyanos meaning blue, are a type of naturally occurring flavonoids. You may have heard of flavonoids, but don't worry, we'll dive into that later in another blog.
A rainbow of colours may be easier to find in a crayon box, but they can also burst forth from certain plants! Many cannabis cultivars are among the lucky few that contain anthocyanins found within their epidermal layers. These pigments interact with pH levels and temperature variations during growth processes - when cooling temperatures reduce chlorophyll production. For example, it's a chance for anthocyanin-infused hues like deep blues and purples or even pinks to take over and give the plant its magnificent look.
As for Anthocyanidins, these are the sugar-free version of Anthocyanins and can be found in abundance in red wine, fruits, and vegetables. They come in different types, each giving a different colour to the plant. Cyanidin is a reddish-purple, Delphinidin is blue-reddish to purple, Pelargonidin is red, Peonidin is magenta, Malvidin is purple, and Petunidin is a dark red or purple. These pigments exist for various reasons, such as attracting pollinators in flowers or seed dispersal in fruits and even playing a protective role against extreme temperatures in plants.
And now, why do these pigments exist in nature? Well, for one, they play a role in species' survival. The coloration of flowers may attract pollinators, while the coloration of fruits may attract herbivorous animals to potentially fruit-bearing plants. Additionally, anthocyanins may also have a protective function in plants against extreme temperatures. And, if that wasn't enough, they are being studied for their potential health benefits.
Who could resist the beauty of a cannabis plant? After all, its deep purple hues are like no other! It turns out those amazing colours come from pigments called Anthocyanins and/or Anthocyanidins. Beyond catching our eye with their aesthetic charm, these incredible molecules may even provide us with benefits we never expected - just one more reminder that nature is truly magical!
So, the next time you admire the beauty of a purple cannabis flower, take a moment to appreciate the amazing natural process that went into creating such a gorgeous plant. If you're looking for high-quality, beautifully purple cannabis flowers, make sure to stop by Clarity Cannabis. Our team of experts is always available to answer any questions and help you find the perfect strain for you.