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Psilocybe blue is a member of the Strophariaceae family, genus Psilocybe. A synonym for this name is the Latin term - Psilocybe cyanescens. Belongs to the category of inedible and hallucinogenic mushrooms. The use and collection is officially prohibited not only in Russia, but also in some other countries.
Description of psilocybe blue
This variety needs acidic soil rich in organic matter.
The fruit body is a small cap and a thin stalk. The pulp is white; when cut, it changes color to blue. Has a light mealy aroma.
Description of the cap
When dried or damaged, the cap of Psilocybe cyanescens turns blue
At a young age, the cap is round in shape, after some time it becomes prostrate, reaching 2-4 cm in diameter. It is distinguished by uneven and wavy edges. Color varies from yellow to brown. As a rule, the color of the cap is directly related to weather conditions. For example, in dry and hot times the cap is colored yellow, and during heavy rains it darkens and acquires a certain oiliness. When you press on the flesh, a blue-green tint appears; in some cases, you can find bluish spots located along the edges of the cap.
On the lower side there are sparse plates attached to the surface of the fruiting body. When young they are ocher in color, but over time they acquire a dark brown tint. Spore powder is purple-brown in color.
Description of the leg
This species prefers to grow in large groups
At the initial stage of maturation, the leg is white, with age it acquires a bluish tint. The length reaches about 5 cm, and the thickness is 5-8 mm in diameter. When pressed it turns bluish. On its surface, faint remains of a private cover can be traced.
Where and how does Psilocybe blue grow?
Active fruiting occurs in the autumn. As a rule, Psilocybe blue prefers places with high humidity and rich soil. This specimen can be found in vacant lots, roadsides, forest edges and pastures. Mushrooms grow exclusively in groups, growing together with legs.
Doubles and their differences
Related species of Psilocybe blue are the following:
- Psilocybe Bohemian is a hallucinogenic mushroom that grows in coniferous, mixed or deciduous forests.The surface of the cap is colored in brownish shades, covered with mucus, and turns blue when cut. The leg is thin, fibrous, with age it becomes tubular, wavy with a bluish tint. The difference from the blue psilocybe is the bell-shaped cap.
- Psilocybe semilanceolata is a poisonous species that has many other names: “Liberty Cap”, “Sharp Conical Bald Head”, “Liberty Umbrella”, “Veselushka”. It is a small lamellar mushroom. The diameter of the cap of this specimen is no more than 2.5 cm. The shape of the cap varies from semicircular to conical with a small central tubercle. In dry weather it is colored beige, and during periods of rain it acquires darker brown shades. When dry or damaged it turns bluish.
The effect of psilocybe blue on the body
The blue psilocybe pulp contains psychoactive substances called psilocybin and psilocin. Literally half an hour after consumption, you can notice the first signs of poisoning: the victim begins to feel chills and hallucinations appear. After 2 hours the peak occurs, and the total duration is from 4 to 7 hours. In some cases, the use of a poisonous product leads to impaired perception and clouding of reason. In such cases, the help of a psychotherapist will be required to bring the person out of a serious condition.
Substances such as psilocin and psilocybin are not narcotic and therefore are not addictive.However, long-term use of psilocybe blue can form mental dependence, as well as cause neuroses and schizophrenia. A fatal outcome cannot be ruled out.
Responsibility for collection and distribution
In Russia, the collection and cultivation of psilocybe blue is prohibited. This is regulated by the following documents: Article 231 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, 10.5 and 10.5.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, Government Resolution No. 934 of November 27, 2010.
Conclusion
Despite the small size of the fruiting bodies, Psilocybe blue is a dangerous mushroom. Eating this poisonous specimen can cause auditory and visual hallucinations. In some cases it can lead to death.
