What is kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family, native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia — particularly Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Its large, glossy leaves have been part of daily life and local tradition across the region for generations.
Where it comes from
Kratom thrives in the hot, humid, mineral-rich soil of equatorial Southeast Asia. Most of the world's supply is grown by smallholder farmers on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra and across the wider Indonesian archipelago, where the climate lets the trees grow tall and the leaves reach full maturity. Traditionally, the leaves were picked and dried by hand — a practice that still continues today alongside more modern processing.
Vein colors explained
Kratom is usually described by the color of the leaf's central vein — red, green, white, or yellow. The color reflects how mature the leaf was at harvest and how it was dried:
- Red vein — from the most mature leaves, dried with limited light exposure.
- White vein — from younger leaves, harvested earlier in the cycle.
- Green vein — picked in between, for a balanced, classic profile.
- Yellow vein — developed through an extended drying and curing process.
Many enthusiasts associate each color with a slightly different character, though preference is personal. Our Strain Guide covers the differences in more detail.
How kratom is sold
Once harvested and dried, kratom leaf is offered in several forms. Powder is the most common — the dried leaf milled to a fine, even consistency. Crushed leaf is cut to a coarser grade for a more traditional texture. Capsules (gelatin or plant-based veggie capsules) offer a pre-measured, taste-free option, while extracts, gummies, and liquid shots provide more concentrated or convenient formats. You'll find all of these in our shop.
What's in the leaf
Kratom leaves naturally contain compounds called alkaloids, the best known of which is mitragynine. The alkaloid content varies between strains, harvests, and processing methods — which is why every reputable vendor should lab-test each batch. At Kratoma, we test every lot for alkaloid content and screen it for contaminants. You can read more on our Lab Testing & Certificate of Analysis page.
Is kratom legal?
Kratom is legal at the federal level in the United States and in most states, but it is banned in some states and localities. We do not ship to areas where it is prohibited. Laws can change, so please check your local regulations before ordering. You must be 21 or older to purchase kratom from Kratoma.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Must be 21 or older to purchase.