Michael Davis
Mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are known to instantly develop a blue colour when they are cut or bruised. This phenomenon is called bluing and is caused by the oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin, the psychotropic compounds in the mushrooms. The Psilocybe cyanescens complex, or the caramel-capped Psilocybe complex, is an example of mushrooms that exhibit this blue-green staining. Other mushrooms that turn blue include the Boletaceae or Bolete mushrooms, which have blue tubes that make up their sponge-like pore surface, and the Indigo Milky, which grows on the soil in oak and pine woods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Magic mushrooms, Wavy cap, Potent psilocybe |
| Scientific name | Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe azurescens |
| Family | Hymenogastraceae |
| Compounds responsible for blue colour | Psilocybin, Psilocin |
| Habitat | Wood chips, mulched plant beds, lignin-rich substrates, oak and pine woods |
| Season | July-October |
| Cap | Convex to sunken, inrolled margin, red, indigo blue, sticky, smooth, zoned |
| Gills | Broad, close spacing, dark blue, staining blue-green when bruised |
| Stalk | Tapered toward base, becomes hollow with age, indigo to silvery blue, pockmarked |
| Spore print | Cream |
| Potential dangers | Can be confused with Galerina marginata, which is fatal; similar appearance to poisonous devil's bolete |
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What You'll Learn
Why do magic mushrooms turn blue?
Mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe, commonly known as magic mushrooms, are fungi that produce the psychotropic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are one of several species that instantly develop a blue coloration when they are cut or bruised. This phenomenon is known as "bluing".
The mystery of why magic mushrooms turn blue has been recently solved by chemists. The blue pigments are similar to indigo, the dye used to produce blue jeans. The pigment is not a single compound but a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products. Six mushroom pigments were identified as products of a cascade reaction starting with psilocybin. A phosphatase enzyme takes off its phosphate group, converting it into psilocin. An oxidising laccase then creates psilocyl radicals, which combine to form C-5 coupled subunits and then further polymerise via C-7.
The blueing reaction is not limited to magic mushrooms. In Boletales mushrooms, oxidised gyrocyanin or pulvinic acid are the source of the blue colour. However, that is not the case with Psilocybe mushrooms. The presence of reducing agents, such as sodium dithionite, has been shown to discolor the blue matter, which is reversible upon re-oxidation.
The ecological function of the blue pigments remains a mystery. Dirk Hoffmeister, who led the research, hypothesizes that the pigments might serve a protective role, acting as an on-demand repellent against predators. The compounds might produce reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to any insect nibbling on the mushrooms.
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What is the Psilocybe cyanescens complex?
Psilocybe cyanescens, commonly known as the wavy cap or potent psilocybe, is a species of potent psychedelic mushroom. The main compounds responsible for its psychedelic effects are psilocybin and psilocin. It belongs to the family Hymenogastraceae.
Fresh sporocarps and mycelia of P. cyanescens generally bruise bluish or blue-green when damaged, and the staining remains visible after drying. This staining is most noticeable on the stem (which is white when undisturbed) but can also occur on other parts of the mushroom, including the gills, cap, and mycelium. This staining is due primarily to the oxidation of psilocin. Psilocybin cannot be oxidized directly, but it is quickly converted via enzymatic action to psilocin at injury sites, which can then be oxidized. Therefore, even specimens with little psilocin still generally stain blue.
The Psilocybe cyanescens complex, or the "caramel-capped psilocybe complex", refers to a group of related species that share an extremely similar appearance and habit. These include P. cyanescens, P. azurescens, P. serbica, and P. weraroa. There is phylogenetic evidence of two distinct clades within the complex. One clade consists of P. cyanescens and P. azurescens and their allies, while the other comprises P. serbica and its allies, which are primarily European taxa.
Psilocybe cyanescens is not closely related to Galerina marginata, but the two mushrooms have been confused with fatal results. They share a similar appearance and can grow side-by-side, increasing the chances of confusion. However, they can be distinguished by their differently coloured spores, making a spore print essential for proper identification.
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What is the role of oxidation in blue mushrooms?
Mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe, commonly known as magic mushrooms, turn blue when they are bruised, cut, or damaged. This phenomenon is called the "blueing reaction". While the exact reason for this colour change was previously unknown, it is now believed to be caused by the oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin.
Psilocybin and psilocin are the psychotropic compounds that give magic mushrooms their hallucinogenic effects. When the mushrooms are damaged, the phosphate group is removed from psilocybin through the action of a phosphatase enzyme, converting it into psilocin. An oxidising laccase then creates psilocyl radicals, which combine to form C-5 coupled subunits and then further polymerise via C-7. This results in the blue colour observed in injured mushrooms.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms that turn blue contain psilocybin and psilocin. For example, in Boletales mushrooms, the blue colour is due to the oxidation of gyrocyanin or pulvinic acid rather than psilocybin. Additionally, some boletes, which are mushrooms with a spongy surface of pores instead of gills, can also turn blue when bruised or cut. These boletes are distinguished from Psilocybe mushrooms by the absence of gills and the presence of a spongy surface for spore production.
The exact purpose of the blue pigments in mushrooms is still unknown. However, one hypothesis suggests that the blue colour may serve a protective function, acting as a repellent against insects attempting to feed on the mushrooms. The compounds produced during oxidation may generate reactive oxygen species, which are toxic to insects.
In summary, oxidation plays a crucial role in the blueing reaction observed in certain mushrooms, particularly those from the genus Psilocybe. The oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin leads to the formation of blue pigments, and this colour change may have evolved as a defence mechanism against predators. Further research is needed to fully understand the role and significance of oxidation in blue mushrooms.
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How do you identify blue-staining mushrooms?
Blue-staining mushrooms are those that instantly develop a blue colour when they are cut or bruised. This phenomenon is known as an injury-triggered blueing reaction. Mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe, which includes P. cyanescens and P. azurescens, are known to exhibit this characteristic. Psilocybe cyanescens, also known as the wavy cap or potent psilocybe, is a species of potent psychedelic mushroom that can cause hallucinations. It is identified by its white stem and gills that turn bluish or blue-green when damaged. This staining is due to the oxidation of psilocin, a psychotropic compound found in the mushroom. Other physical characteristics include a cap that is extremely similar in appearance to Galerina marginata, with the two species even growing side by side. However, they can be distinguished by their different-coloured spores.
Another variety of blue-staining mushrooms is the Boletaceae family, which includes the Bolete mushroom. When torn in half, the interior flesh of this mushroom turns blue upon exposure to oxygen. This variety is identified by its sponge-like pore surface. One example of a Boletaceae mushroom is the Indigo Milky, which grows on soil in oak and pine woods. It is identified by its indigo blue cap that fades to a pale grayish blue with deep greenish bruises. The gills are also initially dark blue but become paler and stain blue-green when bruised. The stalk is often tapered towards the base and is indigo to silvery blue, often with pockmarks.
It is important to note that not all blue-staining mushrooms are poisonous, but some, like the Bolete, can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Therefore, it is always recommended to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms and to properly identify them before ingestion. To ensure accurate identification, it is advisable to examine multiple characteristics, such as the colour, shape, and texture of the cap, gills, and stalk, as well as the colour of the spores. Additionally, the habitat and substrate on which the mushrooms grow can provide valuable clues for identification.
To accurately identify blue-staining mushrooms, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of mycology, the study of fungi. Online resources, such as mycology forums and mushroom identification guides, can provide valuable information and insights. Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced mycologists or mushroom enthusiasts can aid in developing the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and accurate mushroom identification. Remember, when in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and refrain from consuming any mushrooms that cannot be positively identified.
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What are the potential dangers of blue-staining mushrooms?
Blue-staining mushrooms, such as those from the genus Psilocybe, are strongly hallucinogenic and contain psychotropic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin. While Psilocybe cyanescens, commonly known as the wavy cap or potent psilocybe, is not generally regarded as physically dangerous to adults, there have been fatal cases of confusion with the similar-looking Galerina marginata. Furthermore, the bitter taste of blue-staining mushrooms may not make them a desirable culinary option.
The blue colour in Psilocybe mushrooms is due to a complex mixture of linked psilocybin oxidation products, which develop when the mushrooms are cut or bruised. This colour change is a result of a chemical reaction between certain compounds in the cell walls of the mushroom and the oxygen in the air. Specifically, the oxidation of psilocin, which is converted from psilocybin, leads to the formation of dark blue pigments similar to indigo.
While some blue-staining boletes are toxic, others are edible and even considered delicious. However, it is important to note that colour change alone is not a reliable method for mushroom identification, and other features such as spore colour and substrate should also be considered. The speed of staining may be a differentiating factor between species, and spore prints are essential for proper identification.
In summary, the potential dangers of blue-staining mushrooms include the risk of confusing them with similar toxic species, the bitter taste, and the hallucinogenic effects of certain compounds. However, with proper identification and preparation methods, some blue-staining mushrooms can be safely consumed.
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Frequently asked questions
Some mushrooms that turn blue include the Psilocybe cyanescens, Psilocybe azurescens, Boletaceae, and the indigo milky.
The blue colour is caused by the oxidation of psilocybin and psilocin.
Mushrooms that turn blue, such as those from the Psilocybe genus, are hallucinogenic and psychedelic.
Blue mushrooms, such as the indigo milky, grow in oak and pine woods. Psilocybe cyanescens grows on wood chips, especially in mulched plant beds in urban areas.
While some blue-staining mushrooms are edible, others can be poisonous and cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Psilocybe cyanescens, for example, is not regarded as physically dangerous to adults, but it is widely sought after by recreational drug users.
