Psilocybe mescaleroensis

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Psilocybe mescaleroensis from New Mexico

Psilocybe mescaleroensis is a species of psilocybin mushroom in the family Hymenogastraceae. This species is known for its psychoactive properties, which are primarily due to the presence of psilocybin and psilocin.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by mycologist Guzmán in 1995. The genus Psilocybe is well-known for its psychoactive species, which have been used traditionally in various indigenous cultures for spiritual and shamanic purposes.

Description

Psilocybe mescaleroensis has a distinctive appearance:

• Cap: The cap is typically conical to bell-shaped, with a diameter ranging from 1 to 3 cm. It is hygrophanous, changing color as it loses moisture.
• Gills: The gills are adnate to adnexed, and they are initially light brown, becoming darker as the spores mature.
• Stipe: The stipe is slender, measuring 3 to 6 cm in length and 0.1 to 0.3 cm in thickness. It is often slightly curved and has a whitish to yellowish coloration.
• Spores: The spores are dark purplish-brown, ellipsoid, and smooth.

Habitat and Distribution

Psilocybe mescaleroensis is typically found in coniferous forests and mixed woodlands, often growing on decaying wood or in leaf litter. It has been reported primarily in the southwestern United States, particularly in the state of New Mexico.

Psychoactive Properties

The primary active compounds in Psilocybe mescaleroensis are psilocybin and psilocin, which are known to produce hallucinogenic effects. These effects can include visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perception of time, and euphoria. The use of psilocybin mushrooms has been studied for potential therapeutic benefits, including the treatment of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Legal Status

The legal status of Psilocybe mescaleroensis, like other psilocybin-containing mushrooms, varies by country and region. In many places, the possession, sale, and use of these mushrooms are illegal due to their psychoactive properties.

See Also

• Psilocybe
• Psilocybin mushrooms
• Psychoactive fungi
• Entheogen
• Mycology

External Links

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