Pluteus salicinus

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Pluteus salicinus, commonly known as the willow shield, is a species of mushroom belonging to the family Pluteaceae. This fungus is known for its psychoactive properties due to the presence of psilocybin and psilocin, compounds that are responsible for its hallucinogenic effects. It is found in various parts of the world, growing solitarily or in small groups on dead wood, particularly in forests dominated by willows (Salix spp.), hence its name. The mushroom is characterized by its distinctive features, which include a cap, gills, and a stem, each playing a crucial role in its identification and classification within the fungal kingdom.

Description

The Pluteus salicinus mushroom has a cap that typically measures 2 to 8 cm in diameter. The cap is initially convex, becoming broadly convex to flat in maturity, with a slight umbo at the center. Its color can vary from dark brown to grayish or bluish tones, often lightening with age. The gills are free, meaning they do not attach to the stem, and are crowded, with a color that ranges from white to pinkish as the mushroom matures, due to the development of spores.

The stem of the mushroom is 4 to 10 cm long and 0.5 to 1.5 cm thick, cylindrical, and bears no ring. It is the same color or slightly lighter than the cap and becomes hollow with age. The flesh of the mushroom is thin and has a mild taste and odor, which does not significantly contribute to its identification.

Habitat and Distribution

Pluteus salicinus is primarily found in temperate regions, thriving on the decaying wood of willow trees, although it can also occur on the wood of other hardwood species. It is a saprobic species, playing a role in the decomposition process of wood and contributing to the nutrient cycle within forest ecosystems. This mushroom is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with occurrences reported in other parts of the world where suitable habitats exist.

Psychoactivity

The psychoactive properties of Pluteus salicinus are attributed to its content of psilocybin and psilocin, two psychoactive compounds that are also found in other species of the genus Pluteus and in various species of the genus Psilocybe. These compounds interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perception, mood, and thought. Due to its psychoactive components, Pluteus salicinus is sought after for its hallucinogenic effects, although it is less commonly used than other psychoactive mushrooms, such as Psilocybe cubensis.

Legal Status

The legal status of Pluteus salicinus varies by country and region, largely due to its psychoactive substances. In many jurisdictions, the possession, sale, and cultivation of mushrooms containing psilocybin and psilocin are regulated or prohibited. Individuals interested in collecting or using Pluteus salicinus for its psychoactive effects should be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations.

See Also

• Psilocybin mushrooms
• Psychoactive drug
• Mycology