Sarah Brown
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that have been used for hundreds of years by Indigenous groups for healing, divination, and spiritual rites. They are now popular as recreational drugs, but it is important to exercise caution when attempting to identify them as they may resemble other mushrooms, some of which are poisonous. To prevent misidentification, it is recommended to consult a local mycologist or use a mushroom identification app. Some key characteristics of psilocybin mushrooms include their cap shape and size, gill attachment and colour, and blue bruising when damaged. Spore prints can also be a reliable method of identification, where the spores of mature mushrooms with fully opened caps are examined for a purplish colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cap shape | Bell or cone-shaped; small to medium-sized; golden to caramel-colored; may have a distinct "nipple" on top; range from 1-10 cm in diameter |
| Cap size | Large caps ranging from 20-80mm in diameter |
| Gills | Thin and delicate; may be packed tightly and contain spores; color ranges from off-white to deep brown; closely spaced and start out gray, darkening with age |
| Stem | Slender and pale-colored; may bruise blue |
| Spore print color | Dark purplish-brown to black, causing white, pink, or other colored spore prints |
| Bruising | Blue bruising or staining, especially on the stem or cap, when handled or damaged |
| Habitat | Grow on all seven continents, most commonly in meadows and woods in the tropics and subtropics, in soil full of old leaves and plant debris |
| Toxicity | Consuming the wrong type of mushroom can lead to poisoning and even death; toxic mushrooms may resemble psilocybin mushrooms in shape and color |
| Legality | Classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the US and other countries, with potential legal consequences for possession and consumption |
| Health risks | Hallucinations, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, and severe mental health risks such as panic attacks, extreme fear, flashbacks, depression, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts |
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Cap shape and size
Distinguishing between species of magic mushrooms is not overly difficult, but it is important. Each year, around 100 people die worldwide from eating poisonous mushrooms, and a single mushroom can be deadly.
Magic mushrooms may have caps that are shaped like bells or cones. The caps should be smooth in texture and change colour when touched. The caps of Psilocybe semilanceata, also known as Liberty Caps, are often conical or bell-shaped. They can vary in colour depending on the hydration of the mushroom, with well-hydrated caps displaying darker shades of brown and sometimes a blue or greenish tinge. Psilocybe mexicana mushrooms also have large caps that are usually light brown or beige in colour and may feature blue or greenish tones. Psilocybe cyanescens, or wavy caps, have large, wavy caps.
The size of magic mushroom caps can vary widely, ranging from approximately 1 to 10 cm in diameter. Psilocybe semilanceata caps have a diameter between 5-22mm and a length of roughly 6-22mm. Psilocybe mexicana caps usually range from 10-20mm, while Psilocybe cyanescens caps can measure between 15-50mm in diameter. Baeocystis mushrooms have medium-sized caps measuring between 15-55mm.
Psilocybe cubensis, another common psilocybin mushroom, has a golden-brown cap. However, when mature, it may turn golden.
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Gill attachment and colour
When identifying psilocybin mushrooms, it is important to examine the attachment of the gills to the stem. For many psilocybin mushrooms, the gills are attached to the stem, a characteristic known as "adnate to adnexed". This means that the gills are directly connected to the stem, with varying degrees of attachment. However, it is important to note that the attachment can vary among different species of psilocybin mushrooms. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a reliable identification guide or seek expert advice when in doubt.
The colour of the gills in psilocybin mushrooms can range from light brown to dark purple, with lighter-coloured edges. As the mushrooms mature, the gills may darken, and some species may exhibit a purplish hue due to the presence of spores. It is important to distinguish psilocybin mushrooms from toxic lookalikes, which may have gills that are white, pale, yellow-brown, or rust-brown.
In addition to gill attachment and colour, other characteristics such as blue bruising, spore prints, cap shape and size, stem length and texture, and habitat should also be considered when identifying psilocybin mushrooms. Proper knowledge, caution, and comprehensive understanding are necessary to distinguish between psychoactive varieties and harmful lookalikes.
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Blue bruising
When identifying mushrooms, it is important to consider whether there is bruising or bleeding when they are cut or damaged. Certain mushrooms will change colour when injured, and this colour change can be important in determining the mushroom species. Blue bruising is a common characteristic of the Psilocybe genus, which includes Psilocybe cubensis. However, it is important to note that not all Psilocybe species bruise, and some non-psychoactive mushroom species also exhibit blue bruising. Therefore, blue bruising should not be the only feature used to identify magic mushrooms. Other indicators such as spore colour, gill structure, and the presence of a gelatinous pellicle should also be considered.
The blue colour in Psilocybe mushrooms is caused by a mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, specifically quinoid psilocyl oligomers. This mixture is formed through a two-step cascade reaction involving the enzymes PsiP and PsiL. PsiP removes the phosphate group from psilocybin to form psilocin, while PsiL oxidises the 4-hydroxy group, leading to the formation of psilocyl radicals. These radicals then combine to form C-5 coupled subunits, which further polymerise to create the blue compounds.
While the exact function of the blue pigments is still unknown, it is hypothesized that they may serve a protective role against predators or insects. The compounds may produce reactive oxygen species that are toxic to insects that nibble on the mushrooms. Additionally, the blue bruising is believed to influence the potency of psilocybin mushrooms. As psilocin must degrade for the blue bruises to occur, more bluish bruising indicates a higher degradation of psilocin and a lower amount of the active compound responsible for the psychedelic effects. Therefore, it is recommended to handle and harvest psilocybin mushrooms with care to avoid unnecessary bruising and maintain their potency.
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Spore prints
To make a spore print, start by collecting the mushroom in a basket with some aluminium foil. Cut off the stem and place the cap with the gills facing down on a piece of aluminium foil, white paper, black paper, an index card, or a glass microscope slide. The colour of the paper can be chosen based on the colour of the gills—black paper for pale gills and white paper for darker-gilled mushrooms. The spore-producing surface can also be placed on a sheet of stiff, clear plastic to facilitate moving the spore print to a darker or lighter surface for improved contrast.
Add a drop of water to the top of the cap to encourage the release of spores. Cover the cap with a paper cup, glass, or bowl to protect it from breezes and increase humidity. Leave it undisturbed for 2 to 24 hours, depending on the humidity and freshness of the mushroom. During this time, the spores will fall onto the surface, creating a spore print pattern.
After obtaining the spore print, it can be examined under a microscope to observe the size, shape, and ornamentation of the spores, which are useful features for identifying fungi. To preserve the spore print, it can be sprayed lightly with an artist's fixative or hair spray. Spore prints can also be composted or washed off with water if they are made on foil or glass.
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Habitat
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which induces psychedelic effects when ingested. They are considered sacred medicine among indigenous tribes and have been used extensively in religious and spiritual ceremonies, especially in Central and South America.
Psilocybin mushrooms occur on all continents, but the majority of species are found in subtropical humid forests. They grow in specific habitats, including grasslands, subtropical areas, or near decayed organic material. Environmental factors influence their presence, and they typically fruit in the fall and early winter, depending on the species and region.
For example, Psilocybe cubensis is usually found in subtropical regions with nutrient-rich soils, while Psilocybe semilanceata, considered the world's most widely distributed psilocybin mushroom, is often found in grasslands or near places frequented by livestock.
Other species have more specific habitats. For instance, P. ovoideocystidiata thrives in subtropical climates, while P. cyanescens and P. stuntzii can be found near county courthouses, sheriff's departments, college campuses, and hospitals.
When identifying psilocybin mushrooms, it is crucial to consider their habitats and growing seasons, as these provide additional clues to positive identification. Utilizing tools such as field guides, spore prints, magnifying glasses, and expert communities can enhance accuracy while ensuring safety.
Remember, it is important to exercise caution and restraint when attempting to identify psilocybin mushrooms. Ingesting wild mushrooms without proper identification can be deadly, as some poisonous mushrooms closely resemble psilocybin species. Consulting with a local mycologist or seeking expert guidance is necessary to confirm identification and prevent adverse health consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybin mushrooms, often called "'magic mushrooms'", are hallucinogenic fungi that produce the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which are responsible for their mind-altering effects.
Psilocybin mushrooms may have caps that are shaped like bells or cones, with diameters ranging from 1 to 10 cm. The gills of these mushrooms are often thin and delicate, ranging in colour from off-white to deep brown.
One key feature of psilocybin mushrooms is their blue bruising, which occurs when the mushroom is damaged and exposed to oxygen. Another reliable method of identification is to examine the spores. Cut off a plump mushroom at ground level, remove the stem, and place the cap gills-down on a piece of tin foil. After 6-8 hours, remove the cap and look for a purplish colour, which indicates the presence of psilocybin.
The mind-altering effects of psilocybin mushrooms typically begin 20-30 minutes after ingestion and can last for up to 8 hours. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and euphoria. It is important to note that psilocybin mushrooms can lead to harmful health risks, including severe panic attacks and extreme fear.
It is essential to exercise caution when attempting to identify psilocybin mushrooms, as ingesting wild mushrooms without proper identification can be deadly. Consult with a local mycologist or use identification apps for accurate information. Additionally, consider taking classes offered by mushroom clubs, botanical gardens, or universities to learn about safe collection and identification practices.
