Australian Bastard Cannabis (ABC): The Incognito Strain
Australian Bastard Cannabis (ABC): The Incognito Strain
Strain Overview
Alternate Names: ABC, Bindi Buds, Cannabis Australis (Unofficial taxonomy), Mongy Weed
Type: Sativa-Dominant Landrace (Mutant)
Origin: New South Wales / Victoria, Australia
Breeder: Nature (Stabilized by underground Australian breeders; modernized by Humboldt Seed Co. and others)
Lineage: Australian Landrace Mutation (Unique recessive leaf trait)
Market Status: The ultimate botanical oddity; the Holy Grail of stealth growing.
THC Content: 5% – 10% (Original Landrace) / 15% – 20% (Modern Hybrids like Subterfuge)
Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Limonene, Myrcene
Key Effects: Mild Sativa Buzz, Clear Head, Functional Energy, subtle relaxation
In the taxonomy of cannabis, there is Indica, there is Sativa, and then there is the Bastard.
Australian Bastard Cannabis (ABC) is a biological anomaly. It is a specific mutation of the cannabis plant discovered in the rugged bushland south of Sydney in the 1970s and 80s. Unlike Ducksfoot, which has webbed leaves, ABC has small, smooth, non-serrated leaves that look more like parsley, hops, or a succulent than marijuana.
For decades, it was regarded as a low-potency weed (or "ditch weed") by serious smokers, but prized by guerilla growers for its ability to hide in plain sight. In recent years, modern breeders have taken this genetic mutant and crossed it with high-potency strains, creating a new generation of "Bastard Hybrids" that get you stoned but still look like a common garden shrub. It is the ultimate stealth plant.
History and Lineage: The Mutant from Down Under
The story of ABC is one of survival and secrecy.
The Discovery: Rumors suggest the mutation appeared in the 70s, likely an adaptation to the harsh Australian climate (extreme heat and cold nights). The leaf shape reduces surface area, conserving water and heat.
The Mutation: The specific trait is a recessive gene that changes the leaf morphology. Instead of the iconic serrated finger, the leaves are smooth, shiny, and rounded.
The Evolution: For years, "Mongy" (as locals called it) was weak, often testing below 5% THC. However, underground breeders (and later legitimate seed banks) worked to preserve the leaf shape while breeding out the low potency. Today, strains like Subterfuge #1 represent the "High Potency" evolution of the ABC lineage.
The Morphology: Is That Even Weed?
This section is unique to ABC because the plant’s structure is its primary feature.
The Leaves: They are small, fleshy, and smooth-edged. They cluster tightly around the stem. Even from a few feet away, it looks like an ornamental shrub or a strange variety of hops.
The Structure: It grows incredibly bushy and chaotic. It doesn't form the classic "Christmas Tree" shape of an Indica or the lanky tower of a Sativa. It looks like a tangled bush.
The Stealth: This is the most discreet cannabis plant on earth. Unlike Frisian Duck (which looks like weed in late flower), ABC maintains its disguise almost until harvest.
Terpene Profile: Lemon and Fenugreek
The original ABC landrace has a very subtle, herbal profile that further aids in its disguise. It rarely smells "dank."
Dominant Terpenes
Terpinolene (The Herb): The dominant note. It provides a fresh, floral, and slightly woody aroma.
Limonene (The Citrus): A distinct lemon zest scent is common, likely an adaptation to repel Australian pests.
Myrcene (The Earth): A subtle background of hops and damp earth.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: Low odor. It smells of lemon balm, parsley, and faint pine. It is incredibly discreet.
The Smoke: Light and herbal. It tastes more like tea or spice than traditional cannabis. It is often described as having a "Sativa-lite" flavor profile.
Strain Effects: The Gentle Sativa
If you are smoking the original landrace genetics, do not expect to be blasted into space. ABC is a mild, functional smoke.
The Experience
The Lift: The high is subtle. It provides a slight mood elevation and a shift in perspective.
The Clarity: There is zero brain fog. You feel awake, alert, and capable. It is very similar to the effects of a strong Yerba Mate tea mixed with a small amount of THC.
The Ceiling: The original varieties have a low ceiling—smoking more won't make you higher, just relaxed. (Note: Modern hybrids will hit much harder).
The Vibe: It is perfect for daytime tasks, social anxiety, or novice smokers who are terrified of "Greening Out."
Best For: First-time users, daytime gardening, stealth smoking, and mixing with other herbs.
Growing ABC: The Survivor
This plant evolved in the Australian bush. It is tough as nails.
Growth Structure
The Hardiness: It is incredibly cold-resistant and drought-tolerant. It can survive frosts that would kill a standard Skunk plant.
The Stealth: You can plant this in a front yard, and 99% of people will think it is an ornamental shrub. It is the undisputed king of Urban Guerilla Growing.
The Speed: It generally flowers relatively fast (8 to 9 weeks).
The Yield: Moderate. The buds are usually smaller and fox-tailed compared to commercial hybrids, but the plant makes up for it with volume (lots of bud sites).
Grower’s Tip: ABC genetics are recessive. If you breed a pure ABC with a normal strain, the offspring will look like normal weed. You have to breed the offspring back to an ABC to recover the bastard leaf shape.
Final Verdict: The Botanical Oddity
Australian Bastard Cannabis is a collector's dream. It challenges the definition of what cannabis is "supposed" to look like. While the original landrace is low in potency, it is historically significant and practically useful for growers who need absolute invisibility. If you want to grow cannabis in your flower bed next to the roses without anyone knowing, or if you simply want to experience one of nature's strangest mutations, ABC is a mandatory addition to your library.
You should choose Australian Bastard Cannabis if:
Stealth is your absolute highest priority.
You live in a harsh/cold climate.
You are a collector of rare mutations.
You have a low tolerance (Original Landrace) or seek a mild daytime buzz.
Score: 8.5/10 (The Incognito Champion)