Conocybula cyanopus

Conocybe cyanopus is a species of mushroom in the family Bolbitiaceae. It is known for its psychoactive properties due to the presence of the compound psilocybin. This small, delicate mushroom is found in grassy areas and is often associated with decaying plant material.

Description

Conocybe cyanopus is a small mushroom with a conical to bell-shaped cap that measures 1 to 2 cm in diameter. The cap is typically a pale brown color, sometimes with a slight bluish tint, especially when young or when bruised. The gills are adnexed to adnate, closely spaced, and initially pale brown, becoming darker as the spores mature.

The stem is slender, measuring 3 to 6 cm in length and about 1 to 2 mm in thickness. It is fragile, hollow, and often exhibits a bluish coloration, particularly towards the base. This blue staining is a characteristic feature of many psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

The spore print of Conocybe cyanopus is rust-brown. Microscopically, the spores are smooth, ellipsoid, and measure 10–12 by 6–7 µm.

Distribution and habitat

Conocybe cyanopus is found in temperate regions, particularly in North America and Europe. It typically grows in grassy areas, lawns, and gardens, often appearing in the summer and autumn months. The mushroom is saprotrophic, feeding on decaying organic matter.

Psychoactive properties

Conocybe cyanopus contains the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which is a naturally occurring psychedelic. Psilocybin is known to produce effects such as altered perception, mood changes, and hallucinations. Due to these properties, Conocybe cyanopus is sometimes sought after by those interested in psychedelic experiences.

Safety and legality

The consumption of Conocybe cyanopus for its psychoactive effects is illegal in many countries due to the presence of psilocybin. Additionally, identifying this mushroom can be challenging due to its small size and similarity to other non-psychoactive or potentially toxic species. As such, foraging for Conocybe cyanopus is not recommended without expert knowledge.

Related pages

• Psilocybin mushroom
• Psychedelic drug
• Mycology