It's hard to count exactly How many types of mushrooms are there? in the world, but we can learn about the most famous hallucinogenic ones. Psilocybin mushrooms are the most popular type of magic mushrooms: they contain psilocybin, responsible for the hallucinogenic effects, and there are about 200 species worldwide. However, those that are cultivated and used most often are decidedly fewer and we can get to know them more closely. Let's see what the characteristics that make our magic mushrooms unique and how we can recognize them perhaps during a walk in nature.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms: how to recognize them
Let us therefore learn to recognize the hallucinogenic mushrooms species most famous that are part of the Psilocybe genus based on their physical characteristics such as size and color:
- Psilocybe semilanceata
One of the most famous members of the psilocybe genus is the semilanceata species, also known among enthusiasts as “Liberty Cap”. Where is Psilocybe Semilanceata found? We could say that it is a “homegrown” species, in fact it is found throughout Europe and North America, where it grows mainly in pastures.
The semi-lanceata species is distinguished by its light, curved stem and its large, leather-colored cap. Its shape resembles that of a cone or a bell. The cap may be crossed by striations that correspond to the underlying gills and has a diameter of up to 22 mm as a rule.
- Psilocybe cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis, also known as “Golden Teacher”, is one of the most popular hallucinogenic mushrooms; it is native to Southeast Asia and Central and Northern America. It stands out from the others for its shape and its particular colors: the cap is reddish-white, with an almost cinnamon color, while the gills and the stem are gray and tend to darken with maturation until they become almost black. The cap is particularly large, up to 80 mm, and as it grows it changes from a conical shape to a flatter appearance.
- Psilocybe mexicana
As its name suggests, this species is native to Central America, where it usually grows in hilly areas between May and October. Its appearance is very similar to that of the psilocybe semilanceata, from which it differs in its color, which tends towards beige. As with the semilanceata, this type of fungus can become bluish if damaged.
- Psilocybe cyanescens
Let's go back to the species that also grows in Europe with the so-called "wavy cap", Psilocybe cyanescens! As the name suggests, this mushroom has a very large and wavy cap that measures up to 50 mm. The more the mushroom grows, the more the cap "wavy". The color is hazelnut brown when the mushroom is wet, lighter when dry.
The cyanescens species loves to grow in and around mulches in flowerbeds. It is precisely the growth of the mulching technique in urban areas that has contributed to the spread of the “wavy cap” even in areas of the world where it did not grow before.
- Psilocybe Azurescens
This species of psilocybe is known for its strong psychedelic powers and is therefore cultivated all over the world, although it grows wild only in a small area of the Western USA. It is also known as “flying saucer” due to its large cap (up to 100 mm) that resembles classic UFO designs.
Azurescens have a hazelnut or caramel colored cap and gills that, when ripe, take on a dark color while the stems are white.This species particularly loves sandy soils and when it is spontaneous it tends to grow among the dunes of the beaches in the period September-January.
- Psilocybe baeocystis
Also native to the United States are Psilocybe baeocystis, colloquially known as “bottle caps” or “olive caps.” They are known for their distinctive cap color, which when mature tends toward an olive hue, even with hints of blue. They are medium in size and have long, sometimes curved stems.
Baeocystis also love mulched soil and it is not uncommon to see them growing under other plants, such as rhododendrons, or even inside fallen pine cones.
How many types of hallucinogens are there?
Here's what they were most famous hallucinogenic mushrooms, although as we have said in nature there are more than 200 species that contain the active ingredient psilocybin.
Unfortunately, many of these mushrooms cannot be tasted because, in addition to the psychedelic active ingredient, they contain other substances that are toxic for the body: this is the case of Amanita muscaria and Amanita pantherina, which also have deadly effects.
While in Italy grow several types of hallucinogenic mushrooms, including Psilocybe cyanescens and Panaeolus subbalteatus, it is not a good idea to collect hallucinogens in nature at all. Our guide, which has roughly described the appearance of the most famous hallucinogens, is not enough to devote yourself to dangerous activities such as spontaneous collection. Those who want to experience a magical journey should rely on verified and safe channels, such as Piggyweed Smartshop.
