List of Psilocybe species

List of Psilocybe Species

The genus Psilocybe is a group of psychedelic mushrooms, known for their psychoactive compounds psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. These substances are responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced after ingestion. The genus Psilocybe belongs to the family Hymenogastraceae and contains over 200 species distributed globally, with a high concentration in tropical and subtropical regions. This article provides a list of notable Psilocybe species, highlighting their distribution and key characteristics.

Notable Psilocybe Species

• Psilocybe azurescens - Known as the flying saucer mushroom, it is one of the most potent species, found in the United States' Pacific Northwest.
• Psilocybe cubensis - One of the most widely known and cultivated species, it is found in tropical and subtropical climates and is known for its ease of cultivation.
• Psilocybe cyanescens - Commonly referred to as wavy caps due to the distinctive shape of its cap, it is found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Psilocybe mexicana - Famous for its use in traditional Mazatec rituals, it was the species from which psilocybin was first isolated.
• Psilocybe semilanceata - Also known as the liberty cap, it is a common species found in grasslands across Europe and North America.
• Psilocybe tampanensis - Known for producing magic truffles or "Philosopher's Stones," it was originally discovered in Tampa, Florida.
• Psilocybe aztecorum - Native to central Mexico, it was traditionally used by the Aztecs and is found in high altitudes.
• Psilocybe caerulescens - Also known as the landslide mushroom, it is found in the United States, Mexico, and South America.
• Psilocybe cyanofibrillosa - Known for its blue-green fibrils on the cap, it is found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada.
• Psilocybe pelliculosa - A species known for its psychoactive properties, though less potent than others, found in the Pacific Northwest.

Distribution and Habitat

Psilocybe species are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from woodlands and forests to grasslands and dung-rich pastures. Their distribution is global, with species adapted to a wide range of climates, including temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions. The presence of specific Psilocybe species is often indicative of the ecological conditions of their habitats.

Legal Status

The legal status of Psilocybe mushrooms varies by country and region, with many places classifying them as controlled substances due to their psychoactive properties. However, there is a growing movement towards decriminalization and research into their therapeutic potential, particularly for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Research and Therapeutic Use

Recent research into Psilocybe species has focused on their potential for therapeutic use. Studies have shown that psilocybin, the active compound in Psilocybe mushrooms, can produce significant and lasting reductions in depression and anxiety in controlled clinical settings. This has led to increased interest in the medical and psychiatric communities regarding the potential benefits of psychedelics in therapy.

See Also

• Psychedelic drug
• Psychoactive mushroom
• Entheogen
• Hallucinogen