Psilocybe azurescens

Psilocybe azurescens 123020

Psilocybe azurescens is a species of psilocybin mushroom known for its high potency and psychoactive properties. It belongs to the family Hymenogastraceae and is one of the most potent species of the genus Psilocybe. This mushroom is commonly referred to as "Azzies" or "Flying Saucers."

Description

Psilocybe azurescens has a distinctive appearance:

• Cap: The cap is 3–10 cm in diameter, conic to convex, and becomes broadly convex to plane in age. It is caramel to chestnut brown when moist, fading to pale buff or slightly yellowish when dry. The surface is smooth and viscid when moist.
• Gills: The gills are adnate to adnexed, close, and initially pale brown, becoming dark purplish-brown with age.
• Stipe: The stipe is 9–20 cm long, 3–6 mm thick, and is usually thicker at the base. It is white to cream-colored and bruises blue when handled.
• Spores: The spores are dark purplish-brown, ellipsoid, and measure 12–13.5 x 7–8.5 µm.
• Odor and Taste: The odor is farinaceous, and the taste is slightly farinaceous to bitter.

Habitat and Distribution

Psilocybe azurescens is typically found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, particularly in the states of Oregon and Washington. It grows in sandy soils, especially in coastal dune grasses and along the edges of deciduous forests. The fruiting season is from late September to early January.

Psychoactive Compounds

This species contains high levels of psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. The concentration of these compounds makes Psilocybe azurescens one of the most potent psilocybin mushrooms. The psychoactive effects can include visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time, and profound changes in thought and mood.

Legal Status

The legal status of Psilocybe azurescens varies by country and region. In many places, the possession, sale, and cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms are illegal. However, some regions have decriminalized or legalized their use for medical or religious purposes.

Cultivation

Cultivating Psilocybe azurescens requires specific conditions, including a substrate of wood chips or sandy soil and a cool, humid environment. The mycelium can be grown on agar plates before being transferred to a suitable substrate for fruiting.

See Also

• Psilocybe cubensis
• Psilocybe semilanceata
• Psychedelic experience
• Entheogen
• Mycology