Emma Wilson
Gold top mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe cubensis, are a species of psychedelic mushroom that contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are relatively easy to cultivate indoors and are widely distributed. Gold top mushrooms have a smooth and sticky cap surface that is brown and fades to a more golden-brown or yellowish colour with age, giving them their name. When identifying mushrooms, it is important to exercise caution as consuming the wrong type can be deadly or cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and convulsions.
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What You'll Learn
Gold top mushrooms are also known as Psilocybe subaeruginosa
Gold top mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe subaeruginosa, are a species of mushroom that produce psilocybin, a psychoactive compound with effects similar to LSD. They are commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms' and are known to cause hallucinations. Other effects include euphoria, dilated pupils, increased sweating, nausea, and vomiting. They are often sought out for their psychoactive properties and are sometimes used alongside psychotherapy to treat patients with anxiety and depression.
Gold top mushrooms are just one of the many varieties of wild-growing fungi in Australia, and they can be difficult to identify. They look very similar to some varieties of Galerina mushrooms, which are potentially deadly. Mushroom poisoning can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, and in some cases, it can be fatal. It is recommended that only mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer, are consumed.
If you believe you have consumed a poisonous mushroom, it is important to act quickly. Contact the Victorian Poisons Information Centre or a similar service in your region for advice. Provide them with as much information as possible, including any photos of the mushroom in its habitat and close-up photos of its stem, gills, and top. Remember to always proceed with caution when relying on online identification methods.
While gold top mushrooms are often referred to as Psilocybe subaeruginosa, it is important to note that there are other species that are also commonly referred to as 'gold tops'. These include Psilocybe aucklandiae, Psilocybe tasmaniana, and Psilocybe angulospora, along with some other regional species or variants. This can lead to confusion, especially when trying to identify and distinguish them from other similar-looking mushrooms.
To reduce the risk of misidentification, it is recommended to use the proper names of mushrooms whenever possible. Additionally, seeking the help of a mushroom expert (mycologist) is advised when trying to identify wild mushrooms to ensure safety and avoid potential health risks associated with consuming poisonous varieties.
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They are a species of psilocybin mushroom
Gold top mushrooms, also known as *Psilocybe cubensis*, are a species of psychedelic mushroom that falls under the broader category of psilocybin mushrooms. This species is renowned for its distinctive appearance and potent psychoactive effects, which have been recognized and utilized for centuries by various cultures around the world.
The name 'gold top' originates from the mushroom's most defining feature: its golden or yellowish-brown cap. This characteristic hue sets it apart from other mushrooms and has contributed to its popularity and easy identification. The golden cap often features a dark-colored centre, creating a striking contrast. While the colour may vary slightly between specimens, the golden tone is a consistent and defining marker of this species.
Psilocybe cubensis is a species native to tropical and subtropical regions, where they thrive in warm, humid environments. They are saprotrophic, meaning they play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in their ecosystem. These mushrooms typically grow in clusters on cow dung or enriched soil, making them relatively easy to spot in their natural habitat.
The psilocybin content in gold top mushrooms is responsible for their psychoactive properties. When ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, the compound that interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions, enhanced mood, and profound psychological experiences. The effects of gold top mushrooms are often sought for their potential therapeutic benefits, including the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Due to their potent nature, it is important to approach gold top mushrooms with respect and caution. Ingesting these mushrooms can lead to intense psychological experiences, and it is always advisable to have a knowledgeable guide or sitter present when consuming them. Additionally, it is essential to accurately identify these mushrooms, as consuming similar-looking but toxic species can have dangerous consequences.
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They are relatively easy to cultivate indoors
Gold top mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe cubensis, are a species of psilocybin mushroom commonly known as magic mushrooms. They are relatively easy to cultivate indoors.
To cultivate gold top mushrooms, you must first sterilize your equipment and work area to prevent mould or other fungi from contaminating your mushrooms. This includes sterilizing jars or bags, known as grain spawn, which will contain the spores and a carbohydrate nutrient such as rye grains. It is important to wear a face mask and sterile gloves during this process to avoid contamination.
After sterilizing, you will inoculate the spores within the grain spawn. After about a month, the spores will fully colonize the grain spawn, forming dense mycelium. This is then planted within a bulk substrate such as a coconut husk fibre and vermiculite mixture.
Given proper humidity, temperature, and fresh air exchange, the substrate will produce fruiting Psilocybe cubensis bodies within a month of planting. Misting the mushrooms can enhance their growth and transpiration rates. It is important to note that light does not seem to affect the growth of gold top mushrooms, but mushrooms grown in the dark tend to have higher levels of psilocybin and psilocin.
Once your mushrooms have matured, you will need to harvest them promptly to avoid degradation and rot. To harvest, gently pinch the bottom of the stem near the substrate, twist, and pull. Then, use a clean blade to cut off the very bottom, removing any remaining substrate.
After harvesting, growers often dehydrate the mushrooms and store them in airtight containers in cool environments to preserve their potency.
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They are often confused with poisonous varieties
Gold top mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe subaeruginosa, are often confused with poisonous varieties. They are often referred to as "magic mushrooms" due to their psychoactive properties, which can induce hallucinations and are similar to the effects of LSD. While these mushrooms have gained popularity for their potential benefits to human health, it is crucial to exercise caution as they closely resemble some potentially deadly varieties.
The golden top, for instance, can be mistaken for certain Galerina mushrooms, which are highly toxic and dangerous. Moreover, the Psilocybe cubensis, also known as the golden teacher, can be easily confused with other species that have similar names, such as Psilocybe aucklandiae, Psilocybe tasmaniana, and Psilocybe angulospora. These regional variants add to the complexity of accurate identification.
The difficulty in distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms is further compounded by the absence of reliable home tests. Currently, the only certain way to determine whether a wild mushroom is safe for consumption is to seek the expertise of a mycologist. It is strongly advised to refrain from consuming any mushroom that you are uncertain about.
To minimize the risk of misidentification, it is essential to follow specific guidelines. When foraging for gold top mushrooms, it is recommended to have a knowledgeable companion who can assist in identifying the mushrooms. Additionally, taking high-quality photographs of the mushrooms in their natural habitat, including close-up shots of their stems, gills, and tops, can aid in seeking expert assistance online. Spore prints can also be useful for identification, and proper techniques should be followed to obtain accurate results.
In conclusion, while gold top mushrooms offer potential benefits, they must be approached with caution due to their resemblance to poisonous varieties. Accurate identification is crucial, and it is always advisable to seek expert knowledge or refrain from consumption if there is any doubt.
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They are also known as 'magic mushrooms'
Gold top mushrooms, scientifically known as Psilocybe cubensis, are a species of fungus that contains the psychoactive compound psilocybin. This species is one of the most well-known and widely distributed psychedelic mushrooms, and they are often referred to as "magic mushrooms" due to their ability to induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness.
The "gold top" moniker refers to the distinctive golden or yellowish hue that often appears on the caps of mature fruiting bodies. This colouring can vary in intensity, sometimes appearing as a bright, vibrant gold, or more subdued, with hints of yellow or orange. The caps are usually rounded and convex, sometimes with a slight umbonate shape, and they can grow up to 8 cm in diameter. The gills underneath the cap are initially a pale buff colour but turn a dark purplish-brown as the spores mature.
The stem of the gold top mushroom is typically white and slender, and it may bruise a bluish colour when handled, which is a characteristic feature of many psilocybin-containing mushrooms. These mushrooms are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter, and they are often found growing in meadows, pastures, and fields that are rich in manure or on wood chips and straw. Gold tops typically fruit in late summer and autumn, and they are widely distributed across the world, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The "magic" or psychedelic effects of these mushrooms are indeed magical and mysterious, and they have been used for centuries by various cultures for ritualistic and spiritual purposes. When ingested, the psilocybin in the mushrooms is converted into psilocin, which acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception, hallucinations, and a distorted sense of time and reality. The effects can last for several hours and are often described as a journey or an exploration of the mind, with potential insights and revelations about oneself and the universe.
Due to their potent psychoactive effects, gold top mushrooms are often sought after for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. In controlled settings, these mushrooms have shown promise in the treatment of various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. However, it is important to note that they can also induce negative experiences, such as anxiety, paranoia, and disassociation, especially if consumed in uncontrolled or unfamiliar settings. As such, it is important to approach these mushrooms with respect and caution, and where legal, under the guidance of trained professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Gold top mushrooms, also known as Psilocybe cubensis, are a species of psilocybin mushroom that are known to induce hallucinations. They are commonly referred to as 'magic mushrooms'.
Gold top mushrooms have a cap that is brown, becoming paler to almost white at the margin and fading to a more golden-brown or yellowish with age. The gills are narrow and grey, and the stipe is hollow and white, becoming yellowish with age.
Gold top mushrooms are known to be toxic and can cause hallucinations, severe gastrointestinal issues, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is not recommended to consume any wild mushrooms unless you are an expert.
Gold top mushrooms can be identified by their cap colour, which fades to a golden-brown or yellowish hue with age. Additionally, spore prints can be useful for identification. Cut the stem off at the base of the cap and place the cap gills-down on white paper, leaving it for about six hours. You should be left with a chocolate-brown or purple-ish spore print.
