Purple Monkey
Mendocino Purps × Skunk × Afghani
Purple Monkey is an indica-leaning cultivar that gained popularity in the 2010s for its deep purple hues and sweet, confectionary aroma. Emerging from West Coast clone circles, it is recognized for its relaxing and body-centric effects, making it a favored choice for evening use.
Appearance
Purple Monkey typically exhibits a classic indica bud structure, characterized by dense, compact colas resembling golf balls or eggs. The calyxes swell significantly during the later stages of flowering, resulting in a high bract-to-leaf ratio. Its visual appeal is further enhanced by deep purple and violet coloration in the bracts, often contrasted by vibrant orange pistils. The buds are usually coated in a heavy layer of trichomes, giving them a frosted appearance.
The development of purple coloration is attributed to anthocyanin expression, influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, such as cooler night temperatures during late flower. Healthy plants display broad, dark green leaves during the vegetative stage, which may transition to lavender or plum hues as the plant matures. When properly dried and cured, the buds maintain their density and deep purple tones beneath the trichome frost.
Aroma & Flavor
The aroma of Purple Monkey is primarily characterized by a sweet, grape-candy top note, often accompanied by hints of ripe berries and a subtle skunky or earthy undertone. As the buds are broken apart, the scent can evolve to include peppery, woody accents and a faint herbal freshness. This complex bouquet is thought to be influenced by terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene.
On the palate, Purple Monkey typically delivers sweet grape and mixed berry flavors with a soft, creamy edge during inhalation. The mid-palate may reveal earthy and skunky notes, possibly linked to caryophyllene and humulene. The exhale often leaves a lingering grape-skin astringency that balances the sweetness, contributing to a well-rounded flavor profile.
Effects
Purple Monkey is predominantly known for its relaxing and body-centric effects, consistent with its indica classification. Users often report a sense of calm and physical ease, which can lead to a pronounced couch-lock sensation. Despite its heavy indica traits, some users also experience mild cerebral effects, including euphoria.
This combination of physical relaxation and mood enhancement makes Purple Monkey a popular choice for evening use or for individuals seeking to unwind. The strain's effects are generally considered potent, contributing to its reputation for mood-lifting and deeply relaxing qualities.
Terpenes & Cannabinoids
While specific cannabinoid percentages can vary by phenotype and cultivation, Purple Monkey typically falls within a THC range of 15-25% and contains less than 1% CBD. The terpene profile is often dominated by myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene, with humulene also frequently present. These terpenes contribute to the strain's characteristic grape, citrus, and earthy aromas and flavors, as well as its relaxing effects.
The total terpene content in well-grown modern flower can commonly range from 1.5% to 2.5% by weight. Some reported analyses have shown terpene levels up to 2.7%, with key terpenes including limonene, caryophyllene, myrcene, farnesene, and humulene. This terpene synergy is believed to play a significant role in the overall sensory experience and perceived effects of the strain.
Origins & Lineage
The exact breeder and original cross for Purple Monkey remain unconfirmed, as it has primarily circulated as a clone-only or limited-release cut. However, the most prevalent theory suggests a lineage influenced by Grape Ape, which itself is a cross of Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Afghani. This ancestral background is believed to contribute to Purple Monkey's deep purple coloration, indica morphology, and grape-candy aroma.
Some growers also speculate a potential influence from Afghani hashplant lines, such as Deep Chunk, known for promoting heavy body effects and a blend of cerebral euphoria and physical relaxation. The variability in phenotypes observed across different regions suggests that local cultivation practices have also shaped the final expression of Purple Monkey's characteristics.
Growing
Purple Monkey is generally considered an indica-dominant plant, often exhibiting a robust structure. Growers may encourage its deep purple pigmentation by exposing the plant to cooler night temperatures, typically in the low to mid 60s Fahrenheit, during the late flowering stage, while maintaining daytime temperatures between 72-78°F. Proper humidity and airflow management are crucial when implementing these temperature variations to optimize resin production and yield.
The plant typically develops dense, compact buds with a high bract-to-leaf ratio. Internodal spacing is often compact, favoring techniques like SCROG (Screen of Green) for even light distribution. The strain is known for its resin production, making it potentially suitable for hash making. Flowering time is consistent with indica varieties, and yield is generally considered moderate to good when cultivated under optimal conditions.