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Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe Cuban, San Isidro are the names of the same mushroom. The first mention of it appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, when the American mycologist Franklin Earle discovered the first specimens during his stay in Cuba. Subsequently, in 1948, this mushroom was described by the German scientist Rolf Singer, and it was then that it was established that it belongs to the genus Psilocybe and is a representative of the Hymenogasteraceae family. The official name of the species is Psilocybe cubensis.
What does Psilocybe cubensis look like?
Psilocybe cubensis is an agaric mushroom that belongs to the category of species that affects the human psyche. It can be recognized by certain species qualities.
Description of the cap
Psilocybe cubensis has a pale yellow cap, but as it matures it darkens and acquires a brownish tint. The shape of the top also changes during the growth period. Initially, the cap is cone-shaped, and then becomes convex, resembling a bell. The surface is smooth. The diameter of the cap can reach from 1 to 8 cm.
The pulp is light in color and has a strong consistency. When damaged it becomes bluish in color.
On the reverse side of the cap there are frequent adherent plates. They are covered with a spore-bearing layer, the color of which varies from grayish to gray-violet with a white tint along the edge. The spores of Psilocybe cubensis are thick-walled in the form of an ellipse or oval, measuring 10-17 x 7-10 microns.
Description of the leg
The leg of Psilocybe cubensis is light, elongated, and often slightly curved. Its height varies from 4 to 15 cm. Its diameter is 4-10 mm. There is a white dry ring on it.
Where and how does it grow
Under natural conditions, Psilocybe cubensis can be found in Central America. This species prefers to grow in tropical and subtropical conditions, in pasture meadows rich in manure. There have also been recorded cases of its appearance in Cambodia, Mexico, Australia, India and Thailand. The duration of fruiting is year-round in the presence of favorable conditions.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Psilocybe cubensis belongs to the category of hallucinogenic mushrooms due to the increased content of tryptamine toxins - psilocin, psilocybin. When using it, drug intoxication occurs and pseudohallucinations appear.
The impact of Psilocybe Cuban on the human psyche
The emotional background of a person changes radically depending on his mood and condition, and may be accompanied by the following manifestations:
- euphoria;
- unbridled joy;
- increased erotic attraction;
- a feeling of weightlessness and flight;
- rage;
- aggression;
- panic;
- unreasonable fear;
- loss of consciousness.
After consumption, the psychedelic effect is felt within 20-45 minutes. and lasts about 4-6 hours. During the first hour, a person feels obvious signs of intoxication, such as nausea, stomach pain, chills, and then hallucinations appear.
This type of hallucinogenic mushrooms is not toxic and cannot cause human death. But with its regular use, the functioning of the nervous system, kidneys and heart is disrupted.
Doubles and their differences
There are several types of mushrooms that are very similar in appearance to Psilocybe cubensis. But each of them has a number of characteristic differences.
Konocibe is tender. This species is inedible. Grows in meadows, pastures and well-lit forest lawns in the warm season. It is distinguished by its small size: height – 4-8 cm, diameter – 1-3 cm.A characteristic difference is the thick brown plates, as well as the ocher-orange color of the cap. The official name is Conocybe tenera.
Psilocybe fringed. A small-sized hallucinogenic mushroom that prefers to grow on compost heaps, rotting fruit, and manure. It can be distinguished from Psilocybe cubensis by the remains of a white blanket along the edge of the cap. The fruiting period is from August to November. The official name is Psilocybe fimetaria.
Representatives of the genus Paneolus. The characteristic difference between these hallucinogenic mushrooms is their small size and a black spore layer on the back of the cap. They prefer to grow in dense grass in soil rich in organic matter.
Conclusion
Psilocybe cubensis is of interest to specialists in order to study its therapeutic effect in more detail. But all scientific research is carried out under strict control.
Any attempts to collect, procure and grow this species privately are regarded as a violation of the law and face criminal liability, as well as unpredictable health consequences.
