Citral #13: The Pakistani Matriarch
Citral #13: The Pakistani Matriarch
Strain Overview
Alternate Names: Citral, Citral Kush
Type: 100% Indica (Landrace Selection)
Origin: Chitral Valley, Pakistan (Hindu Kush Mountain Range)
Breeder: Selected/Stabilized by Dutch Breeders (notably Nirvana Seeds)
Lineage: Pure Pakistani Landrace (Chitral Hash Plant)
Famous Offspring: The Mother of Papaya
THC Content: 15% – 19% (Moderate by modern standards)
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Caryophyllene, Humulene
Key Effects: Mellow Relaxation, Mood Elevation, Functional Calm, "Hashy" Body Stone
In the genealogy of cannabis, there are "Hype Strains" and there are "Foundation Strains." Citral #13 is the bedrock.
Originating from the rugged Chitral Valley in Pakistan—a neighbor to the famous Hindu Kush region—this strain is a pure, unadulterated Indica. It was brought to Amsterdam in the early 90s and became a favorite among breeders for its rock-hard buds, intense resin production, and distinct "sour herbal" flavor.
While you may not see Citral #13 on many dispensary shelves today as a standalone flower, you have likely smoked its genetics. It is the legendary mother of Papaya, gifting that strain its distinct structure and unique "rotten fruit" funk. Citral #13 represents the bridge between the ancient hash plants of the East and the high-yield hybrids of the West.
History and Lineage: The Hash Maker’s Choice
Citral #13 is not a hybrid created in a lab; it is a selection from nature.
The Origin: The Chitral Valley is famous for producing some of the world's best Charas (hand-rubbed hashish). The plants there evolved to be short, stout, and incredibly resinous to survive the harsh mountain climate.
The Selection: When Dutch breeders (specifically at Nirvana Seeds) acquired these seeds, they hunted through them to find the best phenotype. Number 13 was the winner.
The Trait: It was selected because it had a surprisingly "zesty" aroma compared to the usually earthy/muddy smells of other Afghan/Pakistani landraces. It smelled distinctly of lemons and herbal tea.
Terpene Profile: Lemon Tea and Hash
The flavor of Citral #13 is a time capsule. It tastes like the 1990s in Amsterdam. It doesn't have the candy sweetness of modern strains; it has an "herbal" sweetness.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Zest): This is the namesake terpene. However, unlike the sugary lemon of Super Lemon Haze, the Limonene here is dry and acidic, smelling like lemon rind or lemongrass.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): A strong peppery backbone that gives the smoke a "kick."
Humulene (The Hops): Adds a woody, earthy note that smells like dried herbs and aging hash.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: A sharp, refreshing scent of herbal tea, lemon cleaning polish, and spicy hash.
The Smoke: Very smooth (a trait of landrace Indicas). It tastes of lemongrass, earth, and incense.
Strain Effects: The Functional Indica
Citral #13 comes from an era before THC percentages were chased into the 30s. As a result, the high is incredibly balanced and manageable.
The Experience
The Smooth Onset: There is no "slap" to the face. The high creeps in gently, softening the edges of your perception.
The Mood Lift: Unlike some heavy Afghans that make you grumpy or sleepy, Citral #13 is known for being "happy." It induces a state of content well-being.
The Body Stone: You feel physically relaxed, but not incapacitated. It is a "functional" stone. You can still cook dinner, walk the dog, or socialize.
The "Hash" Feeling: If you have ever smoked old-school hash, you know the feeling—a warm, fuzzy blanket that wraps around the brain. This strain replicates that perfectly.
Best For: First-time smokers, daytime anxiety relief, socializing, and mixing with other herbs.
Medical Benefits
Because it lacks the anxiety-inducing potency of modern "Super-Strains," Citral #13 is a favorite for sensitive medical patients.
Anxiety & PTSD: It calms the nervous system without causing the racing heart or paranoia sometimes associated with high-THC hybrids.
Digestive Issues: Historically, landrace strains from this region were used to settle stomachs. The spicy/herbal terpenes can be soothing for nausea.
Muscle Tension: It provides a mild muscle relaxant effect, great for tension headaches or stiffness.
Stress: It is the ultimate "unwind after work" strain that won't force you to go to bed immediately.
Growing Citral #13: The Survivor
This strain evolved in the mountains of Pakistan. It is tough as nails.
Growth Structure
The Size: Short and bushy. It produces classic wide "Indica" fan leaves. It rarely stretches much in flower.
The Hardiness: It is incredibly resistant to mold, pests, and temperature fluctuations. It can handle a cold night or a missed watering.
The Buds: The buds are extremely hard and dense ("rock nuggets").
Flowering Time: 8 weeks. It is a fast finisher.
Grower’s Tip: Citral #13 is a low-odor grower compared to Skunks or Diesels. It smells more herbal/spicy than dank/skunky while growing, making it a good option for stealth grows where smell leakage is a concern.
Final Verdict: The Foundation Stone
Citral #13 is a connoisseur's strain. If you are looking to get blasted into outer space, this isn't it. But if you want to experience the pure, stable genetics that gave birth to the modern "Exotic Fruit" movement (via Papaya), this is a mandatory smoke. It offers a connection to the history of cannabis—a taste of the Hindu Kush mountains that is smooth, spicy, and perfectly relaxing.
You should choose Citral #13 if:
You are a breeder looking for stable Indica genetics.
You want to try the mother of Papaya.
You prefer a mellow, manageable high (15-19% THC).
You enjoy hashy, herbal, and lemon flavors.
Score: 8.5/10 (The Genetic Matriarch)