Emma Wilson
Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are a species of psilocybin mushroom that can be identified by their golden brown caps, white stems, and dark purple spores. They are found on cow or horse dung, sugar cane mulch, or rich pasture soil, and typically grow in subtropical regions with nutrient-rich soils. Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms have no odour and have been described as tasting farinaceous, with an alkaline or metallic aftertaste. It is important to accurately identify cubensis mushrooms as they may be confused with poisonous varieties, and consuming the wrong mushrooms can lead to mushroom poisoning, which can be lethal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Magic mushroom, Shroom, Golden Halo, Golden Teacher, Cube, Gold Cap, Golden Top, Gold Top, Sacred Mushroom, Blue Mushroom, San Ysidro, Palenque Mushroom, Hed Keequai |
| Active Compounds | Psilocybin, Psilocin |
| Genus | Psilocybe |
| Species | Cubensis |
| Family | Hymenogastraceae |
| Habitat | Subtropical regions with nutrient-rich soils, found on cow dung, horse dung, sugar cane mulch, or rich pasture soil |
| Cap Colour | Golden brown |
| Stem Colour | White |
| Spore Colour | Dark purple |
| Gills | Narrow, grey, adnate to adnexed, darken to purplish-black with age, gill edges remain whitish |
| Stipe | Hollow, white, 4–15 cm (2–6 in) high by 0.4–1.4 cm (1⁄4–1⁄2 in) thick, becomes yellowish with age |
| Veil | Well-developed, leaves a persistent white membranous ring |
| Spores | 11.5–17.3 x 8–11.5 μm, sub-ellipsoid, basidia 4-spored |
| Taste | Farinaceous, with an alkaline or metallic aftertaste |
| Similar Species | Psilocybe subcubensis, Panaeolus semiovatus, Galerina, Pholiotina rugosa, Chlorophyllum molybdites |
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What You'll Learn
Cap colour: golden brown, sometimes with a blue or greenish tinge
The cap colour of a mushroom is one of the most important factors in identifying cubensis mushrooms. The Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as the magic mushroom, is often identified by its golden brown cap, sometimes with a greenish or bluish tinge. This variety is also referred to as the golden teacher, golden halo, or gold cap.
The cap colour of cubensis mushrooms can vary from golden brown to darker shades of brown, and sometimes with a greenish or bluish hue. This colour variation can depend on the hydration of the mushroom, with well-hydrated caps displaying darker shades and grooves that correspond to the gills underneath. The Psilocybe semilanceata, or liberty caps, also exhibit this colour change when injured, quickly turning blue.
The cap of the cubensis mushroom can also have a conical or bell shape, with a slight papilla or umbo in the centre. The caps are typically large, ranging from 10-20mm in diameter. The gills underneath the cap are narrow and whitish, darkening to purplish-black with age, and the edges remain whitish.
Identifying mushrooms by their cap colour and other physical characteristics is crucial for safety, as there are many poisonous varieties that resemble the cubensis mushroom. Some similar but dangerous species include Galerina, Pholiotina rugosa, and Chlorophyllum molybdites, which all grow in similar habitats to cubensis. Therefore, it is recommended to use field guides, magnifying glasses, and other tools to accurately identify mushrooms before consuming them.
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Gills: narrow, grey, darkening to purplish-black with age
When identifying cubensis mushrooms, it is important to pay attention to the gills. The gills of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are initially narrow and grey. Over time, the gills darken to a purplish-black colour and become mottled. The edges of the gills remain whitish. The gills are attached to the stem in an adnate to adnexed manner, sometimes seceding attachment.
The colour of the gills is an important distinguishing feature of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. The darkening of the gills to a purplish-black colour is a result of the maturation process and the development of spores. As the mushrooms age, the spores become darker and more mature, leading to the characteristic purplish-black colour.
It is worth noting that the gills of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms can vary slightly in colour and intensity, depending on various factors such as environmental conditions and age. However, the overall progression from grey to purplish-black gills is a key identifying feature of this species.
When identifying mushrooms, it is always recommended to use additional tools and resources. Field guides, magnifying glasses, cameras, and other identification materials can help enhance accuracy and ensure safety. It is crucial to cross-reference multiple features, such as cap colour, spore print, and gill attachment, to positively identify Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms and avoid confusion with dangerous look-alikes.
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Stem: white, turning yellowish with age
When identifying cubensis mushrooms, it is important to recognise their unique features to avoid mistaking them for poisonous varieties. Cubensis mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are a species of psilocybin mushroom that can induce psychedelic effects when ingested. They are widely distributed and easy to cultivate.
One key feature of the cubensis mushroom is its stem, which is initially white and becomes yellowish with age. The stem, or stipe, is hollow and typically measures 4-15 cm (2-6 inches) in height and 0.4-1.4 cm (1⁄4–1⁄2 inch) in thickness. The well-developed veil leaves a persistent white membranous ring, which can aid in identification.
The colour change of the stem from white to yellowish is a distinctive characteristic of the cubensis mushroom. This transformation occurs gradually over time. Young cubensis mushrooms will have a brighter white stem, while older mushrooms will exhibit a more pronounced yellowish hue. Environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure and moisture levels, can also influence the rate of discolouration.
When examining the stem of a cubensis mushroom, it is important to consider other identifying characteristics as well. The stem may have narrow grey gills that darken to a purplish-black colour with age, while the gill edges remain whitish. Additionally, the mushroom may have a well-developed veil, leaving a persistent ring that can be useful for identification.
It is crucial to exercise caution when identifying and handling cubensis mushrooms. While they are widely known for their psychoactive properties, incorrect identification can lead to accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms, resulting in mushroom poisoning. It is recommended to use field guides, magnifying glasses, and other tools to enhance accuracy and ensure safety during the identification process.
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Spores: dark purple, elliptical, 11.5–17.3 x 8–11.5 μm
When identifying cubensis mushrooms, it is important to recognise their unique features to avoid confusing them with poisonous varieties. Cubensis mushrooms are commonly known as "magic mushrooms", and their principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin, which induce psychedelic effects.
One of the key features to look out for when identifying cubensis mushrooms is their spore print colour. The spores of cubensis mushrooms are dark purple, elliptical, and measure 11.5–17.3 x 8–11.5 μm. These spores are so small that a single spore cannot be seen by the human eye and requires a microscope for visualisation. However, when millions of these spores come together on a print, they leave a clear, dark mark. Spore printing is a technique used to preserve the genetic makeup of mushroom cultures, and it is important to note that a spore print will never contain the exact same genetics as the mushroom it came from.
Cubensis mushrooms are distinguished by their golden brown caps, which can also be caramel red-brown to lighter brown in colour. They typically feature a white stem that yellows with age and turns bluish when touched. The gills of these mushrooms are narrow and grey, darkening to a purplish-black with age, while the gill edges remain whitish.
Cubensis mushrooms are found in subtropical regions with nutrient-rich soils, often on cow or horse dung, sugar cane mulch, or rich pasture soil. They typically grow in the Gulf Coast states and southeastern United States, as well as subtropical regions in Asia and Australia.
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Habitat: subtropical regions with nutrient-rich soils, found on dung or pasture
Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or gold caps, is a species of psilocybin mushroom of moderate potency. The principal active compounds in magic mushrooms are psilocybin and psilocin, which induce psychedelic effects upon ingestion.
Psilocybe cubensis is usually found in subtropical regions with nutrient-rich soils. It grows directly from cattle dung or from nutrient-rich adjacent pasture. Its habitat is often in meadows and woods in the subtropics and tropics, usually in soils rich in humus and plant debris. The mushroom has a wide distribution and is found in the Gulf Coast states and southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, Fiji, and possibly Nepal and Hawaii.
The mushroom has no distinct odour and has been described as tasting farinaceous, with an alkaline or metallic aftertaste. The cap is brown, becoming paler to almost white at the margin, and fades to more golden-brown or yellowish with age. The gills are pale grey, deepening to sepia, and the stem is hollow and yellowish, darkening centrally. The spores are purplish-black and elliptic, with a yellow-brown tint in KOH solution.
Psilocybe cubensis usually grows between February and December in the northern hemisphere and November to April in the southern hemisphere. It is important to distinguish Psilocybe cubensis from poisonous varieties, which may have similar appearances.
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Frequently asked questions
Psilocybe cubensis, commonly known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, golden halo, golden teacher, or gold cap, is a species of psilocybin mushroom.
Cubensis mushrooms have golden brown caps, a white stem that turns yellowish with age, and dark purple spores. They have narrow grey gills that darken to purplish-black with age, and the gill edges remain whitish.
Cubensis mushrooms are found in subtropical regions with nutrient-rich soils. They grow on cow (and occasionally horse) dung, sugar cane mulch, or rich pasture soil. In Asia, the species grows on water buffalo dung.
It is important to use tools such as field guides, magnifying glasses, and cameras to enhance mushroom identification accuracy while ensuring safety. Look for specific information on spore print colors, cap shapes, and gill attachment. Prioritize guides with high-resolution images and detailed descriptions, and opt for foraging guides that are tailored to your location.
