Laura Smith
Bolete mushrooms, also known as the xiao ren ren mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that has been reported in Papua New Guinea, China, and the Philippines. They are typically fleshy mushrooms with caps, stalks, and a layer of narrow, tightly packed vertical tubes that create a sponge-like layer under the cap. While most boletes are thought to be safe to eat, some species are highly poisonous and can even be fatal. For example, the species Boletus manicus, found in Papua New Guinea, has been reported to cause hallucinations, but the chemical constituents responsible for this effect have not been conclusively identified. Other species, such as Boletus speciosus, are known to be hallucinogenic and can cause Lilliputian hallucinations when consumed in large quantities or cooked improperly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Hallucinogenic bolete mushrooms, psychoactive bolete mushrooms, "xiao ren ren" mushrooms |
| Appearance | Fleshy mushrooms with caps, stalks, and a layer of narrow, tightly packed vertical tubes that create a sponge-like layer under the cap |
| Colors | Come in a variety of colors with thick or bulbous stems and no ring, except for some species |
| Pores | White, cream, yellow, orange, or red |
| Habitat | Found worldwide, mostly as ectomycorrhizal mutualists with trees |
| Edibility | Some species are edible and commonly consumed in well-cooked form, while others are toxic or even deadly |
| Hallucinogenic effects | Reported to cause Lilliputian hallucinations, making people see "xiao ren ren" or "little people," walls moving and shifting, geometrical patterns, and strange shapes and object transformations |
| Active constituents | Exact species, active constituents, and mechanism of action are not yet fully clarified; trace amounts of unidentified indolic compounds detected in some species |
| Regions reported | Papua New Guinea, China, Philippines, Yunnan Province in China |
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What You'll Learn
- Bolete mushrooms were first reported to cause hallucinations in 1936
- The species Boletus manicus is thought to contain hallucinogenic compounds
- Yunnan mushrooms are hallucinogenic when raw or undercooked
- Some bolete mushrooms are toxic or even deadly
- Bolete mushrooms are typically fleshy mushrooms with caps, stalks, and sponge-like pores
Bolete mushrooms were first reported to cause hallucinations in 1936
Bolete mushrooms, also known as psychoactive bolete mushrooms or "xiao ren ren" mushrooms, are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom. They have been reported in Papua New Guinea, China, and the Philippines. Bolete mushrooms were first reported to cause hallucinations in 1936 by a missionary who claimed that the mushrooms consumed by natives in Papua New Guinea caused "madness". This phenomenon was later described in more detail by anthropologist Marie Reay in the late 1950s, who reported that the mushrooms caused Lilliputian hallucinations. Lilliputian hallucinations are unique and are not necessarily consistent with the effects of other psychoactive mushrooms. Instead, people experiencing these hallucinations report seeing "xiao ren ren" or "little people".
In the mid-1960s, mycologists Gordon Wasson and Roger Heim surveyed 400 mushrooms in the area and identified six species that were claimed to cause "mushroom madness". They sent one of the species, Boletus manicus, to German chemist Albert Hofmann for chemical analysis. Hofmann found that the mushroom contained trace amounts of three unidentified indolic compounds. However, the quantities were too low to allow for identification, and the active constituents were not determined. To cause the claimed hallucinogenic effects, the detected indolic compounds would need to be extremely potent, similar to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
Heim, who discovered Boletus manicus, conducted three self-experiments with the consumption of tiny amounts of the mushroom. One of these experiments resulted in strange dreams, but clearly perceptible and uncontroversial psychoactive effects were not experienced. In the 1960s, Heim, along with Wasson and Reay, concluded that due to the inability to identify active constituents and the lack of consistency in reported effects, the claims of "mushroom madness" were likely not pharmacologically caused by the mushrooms. However, psychedelic researcher Giorgio Samorini has theorized that this conclusion may have been premature.
Certain blue-staining edible bolete mushrooms in the Yunnan province of China are also said to be hallucinogenic. This was first reported in 1991 and later observed by mycologist David Arora in 1997, who reported on it more thoroughly in 2008. Bolete mushrooms typically have pores or tubes instead of gills, making them easy to identify. They are usually large fleshy mushrooms with a thick or bulbous stem and no ring, except for some of the Suillus variety. The stem often has a network of dark lines or spots, and the pores under the cap can be white, cream, yellow, orange, or red. While most bolete mushrooms are thought to be safe to eat, a few species are highly poisonous and have caused fatalities in humans.
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The species Boletus manicus is thought to contain hallucinogenic compounds
Bolete mushrooms, also known as psychoactive bolete mushrooms or "xiao ren ren" mushrooms, are known to produce hallucinogenic effects. They have been reported in Papua New Guinea, China, and the Philippines. The exact species of the mushrooms, their active constituents, and their mechanism of action have not been fully clarified. However, one of the most frequently implicated species is Lanmaoa asiatica. Bolete mushrooms are said to make people see "xiao ren ren" or "little people" and experience Lilliputian hallucinations.
The species Boletus manicus, found in the Wahgi valley of Papua New Guinea, is thought to contain hallucinogenic compounds. It was first reported by a missionary in 1936 that some bolete mushrooms consumed by natives in Papua New Guinea caused "madness". In the 1950s, anthropologist Marie Reay reported that these mushrooms caused Lilliputian hallucinations. In the 1960s, mycologists Gordon Wasson and Roger Heim surveyed 400 mushrooms in the area and described six species that caused "mushroom madness". They sent one of these species, Boletus manicus, to German chemist Albert Hofmann for chemical analysis.
Hofmann found that Boletus manicus contained trace amounts of three unidentified indolic compounds. However, the quantities were too low to allow for identification, and the active constituents were not determined. These indolic compounds would need to be extremely potent, similar to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), to cause hallucinogenic effects. The hypothesis that these compounds are highly potent hallucinogens has been treated seriously by some, such as Heim, and critiqued by others, such as ethnobotanist Jonathan Ott.
Heim, who discovered Boletus manicus, reported three self-experiments with the consumption of tiny amounts of the mushroom. He experienced strange dreams on one occasion, but clear psychoactive effects were not observed. Heim, Wasson, and Reay ultimately concluded in the 1960s that due to the inability to identify active constituents and the lack of consistency in reported effects, the claims of "mushroom madness" were likely due to "social catharsis" and ritualistic "acting out" rather than pharmacological effects. However, this conclusion has been questioned by contemporary psychedelic researcher Giorgio Samorini, who suggests that it may have been premature.
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Yunnan mushrooms are hallucinogenic when raw or undercooked
Yunnan mushrooms, scientifically known as Lanmaoa asiatica, are wild mushrooms that are infamous for their hallucinogenic compounds. They are also known as "xiao ren ren" mushrooms, as they are said to make people see "lots of little men or people". These mushrooms are typically found in the Yunnan province of China and are gathered by the mountain people in the wild mountains. They are usually large fleshy mushrooms that come in a variety of colours with a thick or bulbous stem and no ring.
The mushrooms are said to cause hallucinations when consumed raw or undercooked. Proper cooking of these mushrooms for at least 15 to 30 minutes is believed to destroy their active hallucinogenic constituents, making them safe for consumption. However, the exact species of these mushrooms, their active constituents, and their mechanism of action are yet to be fully understood. While cooking may render them non-hallucinogenic, it has also been suggested that some level of cooking might be necessary for the mushrooms to induce hallucinations.
The effects of consuming these mushrooms vary, with some people reporting hallucinations of seeing walls moving and shifting, geometrical patterns, and strange shapes and object transformations. Others have reported more subtle effects, such as a profound feeling of well-being similar to THC but without the sluggishness. It is important to note that consuming these mushrooms raw or undercooked can be dangerous and may lead to poisoning, nerve damage, or other unintended negative consequences.
Locals in Yunnan regularly consume these mushrooms and advise cooking them thoroughly to avoid any negative effects. However, a few people still experience hallucinations even after cooking, indicating that the duration of cooking may not always be sufficient to eliminate the hallucinogenic compounds. As a result, it is crucial to exercise caution and follow the recommended cooking guidelines when preparing these mushrooms for consumption.
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Some bolete mushrooms are toxic or even deadly
One of the most dangerous bolete mushrooms is the Devil's Bolete (Boletus satanas). This mushroom contains toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping. In some cases, consumption of the Devil's Bolete has led to more serious health issues, such as liver damage and even death. The Devil's Bolete is characterized by its large, reddish-brown cap and its off-white pore surface, which bruises blue when touched.
Another toxic bolete is the Bitter Bolete (Tylopilus felleus). As its name suggests, this mushroom has a bitter taste that is not eliminated by cooking. Ingesting the Bitter Bolete can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This mushroom is generally not considered deadly, but it is important to avoid consuming it due to its unpleasant effects. The Bitter Bolete is identified by its brown or reddish-brown cap and its pale yellow or straw-colored pore surface that does not bruise.
Even within the safe-to-eat boletes, there are some species that can cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. For example, the Edible Bronze Bolete (Boletus aereus) is a highly regarded culinary mushroom, but it belongs to a group of boletes that contain a heat-stable toxin called boleatine. While boleatine is generally destroyed by cooking, people with sensitivities to it may still experience gastrointestinal upset or other allergic reactions after consuming cooked boletes.
To stay safe, it is important to properly identify any bolete mushroom you intend to eat. This may involve consulting field guides, seeking advice from local mycological societies, or showing your forage to a mushroom expert. Remember, even similar-looking mushrooms can have very different properties, so always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, throw it out.
Additionally, always cook boletes thoroughly before consuming them. This not only improves their taste by breaking down tough cell walls but also helps to destroy any potential toxins. Some boletes, such as the King Bolete (Boletus edulis), are choice edibles with a meaty texture and a nutty flavor that lends itself well to a variety of dishes. With proper identification and preparation, you can safely enjoy the unique culinary delights that boletes have to offer.
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Bolete mushrooms are typically fleshy mushrooms with caps, stalks, and sponge-like pores
Bolete mushrooms, or the family Boletaceae, are typically fleshy mushrooms with caps, stalks, and sponge-like pores. They are found worldwide, mostly growing in association with trees. They are easily identifiable due to their unique characteristics. Boletes usually have pores or tubes instead of gills, and they come in a variety of colours. The caps can be white, cream, yellow, orange, or red, and the stems are often thick or bulbous, sometimes with a network of dark lines or spots.
While most boletes are thought to be safe to eat, some species are highly poisonous and can even be fatal. For example, Satan's Bolete, or Rubroboletus satanas, is known to cause deadly liver damage. Other species, such as B. magnificus and B. speciosus, are hallucinogenic and can cause toxic effects.
Hallucinogenic bolete mushrooms, also known as psychoactive boletes, have been reported in Papua New Guinea, China, and the Philippines. These mushrooms are said to cause Lilliputian hallucinations, where people experience visions of "xiao ren ren" or "little people". The exact species, active constituents, and mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. One frequently implicated species is Lanmaoa asiatica, which is reported to cause people to see walls moving, geometrical patterns, and strange shapes and object transformations.
Proper cooking methods can destroy the active hallucinogenic constituents in some boletes, making them safe for consumption. For example, Yunnan mushrooms in China are said to become non-hallucinogenic when cooked for at least 15 to 25 minutes. However, undercooking or consuming large quantities can still lead to unintended hallucinogenic poisoning.
When foraging for boletes, it is essential to follow safety guidelines to avoid toxic mushrooms. One rule is to avoid any bolete with red colouring, as this can indicate toxicity. Another rule is to slice the mushroom vertically and check for rapid discolouration of the flesh to blue or green, which can be a sign of possible toxicity. By following these rules, foragers can safely identify edible boletes while avoiding the dangerous ones.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some species of bolete mushrooms are known to be hallucinogenic, such as Boletus manicus, Boletus speciosus, and certain blue-staining edible boletes in the Yunnan province of China. However, the exact species, their active constituents, and their mechanism of action are not yet fully understood.
Hallucinogenic bolete mushrooms have been reported in Papua New Guinea, China, and the Philippines. They are typically found in association with trees as they are ectomycorrhizal mutualists.
Hallucinogenic bolete mushrooms are reported to cause Lilliputian hallucinations, where people see "xiao ren ren," meaning "little people." These hallucinations are unique and distinct from the effects of other psychoactive mushrooms. People may also experience walls moving and shifting, seeing geometrical patterns, and objects transforming.
Identifying hallucinogenic bolete mushrooms can be challenging, and it is important to follow safety guidelines. Bolete mushrooms typically have pores or tubes instead of gills and have thick stems with a network of dark lines or spots. However, some species, like Paxillus, Hygrophoropsis, and Scleroderma, do not have tube-like pores. When identifying a bolete mushroom, avoid those with any red coloring or flesh that turns vivid blue quickly after cutting, as these may be toxic.
Yes, in the case of unintended hallucinogenic bolete mushroom poisoning, boiling the mushrooms has been found to eliminate the poisoning symptoms. Proper cooking of the mushrooms for at least 15 to 25 minutes is believed to destroy their active hallucinogenic constituents.
