Psilocybe tampanensis

Psilocybe.tampanensis.two

Species of fungus

Psilocybe tampanensis is a rare psychoactive mushroom in the genus Psilocybe. It is known for producing sclerotia, which are often referred to as "magic truffles" due to their psychedelic properties. The species was first described in 1978 by Guzmán and Pollock.

Description

Psilocybe tampanensis has a cap that is 1.2–2.4 cm in diameter, conic to convex in shape, and becomes broadly convex to plane in age. The cap surface is smooth, hygrophanous, and has a brownish color that fades to a yellowish-brown as it dries. The gills are adnate to adnexed, close, and have a dark purplish-brown color with whitish edges. The stipe is 2–6 cm long, 1–2 mm thick, and has a whitish to brownish color, often with blue bruising.

Habitat and Distribution

Psilocybe tampanensis is extremely rare in the wild. It was first discovered in Tampa, Florida in 1977, and only a few collections have been made since. The species is known to grow in sandy soils and grassy areas, often in association with Pinus species.

Psychoactive Properties

The primary psychoactive compounds in Psilocybe tampanensis are psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the hallucinogenic effects experienced by users. The sclerotia, or "magic truffles," are particularly sought after for their potency and are often used in entheogenic contexts.

Cultivation

Psilocybe tampanensis is cultivated for both its fruiting bodies and its sclerotia. The sclerotia are easier to cultivate and are often preferred due to their stability and potency. Cultivation typically involves inoculating a sterile substrate with spores or mycelium and allowing the sclerotia to form over several months.

Legal Status

The legal status of Psilocybe tampanensis varies by country. In many places, the possession, sale, and cultivation of this species are illegal due to its psychoactive properties. However, in some jurisdictions, the sclerotia are not specifically regulated, leading to a legal gray area.

See also

• Psilocybe cubensis
• Psilocybe semilanceata
• Psychedelic mushroom
• Entheogen