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Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe Cuban, San Isidro - these are the names of the same mushroom. The first mention of it appeared in the early 19th century, when the American mycologist Franklin Earl 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 member of the Hymenogastric family. The official name of the species is Psilocybe cubensis.
What psilocybe cubensis looks like
Psilocybe cubensis is a lamellar mushroom that belongs to the category of species that affect the human psyche. It can be recognized by certain specific qualities.
Description of the hat
Psilocybe cubensis is distinguished by a pale yellow tint of the cap, but as it matures, it darkens and acquires a brownish tint. The shape of the top also changes during the growing period. Initially, the cap is conical, 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, with a firm consistency. It becomes bluish in color if damaged.
On the back 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. Spores of psilocybe cubensis are thick-walled in the form of an ellipse or oval, measuring 10-17 x 7-10 microns.
Leg description
The leg of psilocybe cubensis is light, elongated, 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 it grows
In natural conditions, psilocybe cubensis can be found in Central America. This species prefers to grow in tropics and subtropics, 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 if conditions are favorable.
Is the mushroom edible or not
Psilocybe cubensis belongs to the category of hallucinogenic mushrooms due to the increased content of tryptamine group toxins - psilocin, psilocybin. When it is used, narcotic intoxication occurs, and pseudo-hallucinations appear.
The impact of Cuban psilocybe on the human psyche
At the same time, the emotional background of a person changes dramatically depending on the mood and state, it can be accompanied by the following manifestations:
- euphoria;
- unrestrained joy;
- increased erotic attraction;
- feeling of weightlessness and flight;
- rage;
- aggression;
- panic;
- unreasonable fear;
- loss of consciousness.
After use, the psychedelic effect is felt in 20-45 minutes. and lasts about 4-6 hours.During the first hour, a person feels clear signs of intoxication, such as nausea, stomach pain, chills, and then hallucinations appear.
This type of hallucinogenic mushroom is not toxic and cannot cause death of a person. But with its regular use, the work 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.
Konocybe is tender. This species is inedible. It grows in meadows, pastures and well-lit forest lawns during the warm season. Differs in small size: height - 4-8 cm, diameter - 1-3 cm. A characteristic difference is thick brown plates, as well as ocher-orange color of the cap. The official name is Conocybe tenera.
Psilocybe bordered. A small hallucinogenic mushroom that prefers to grow on compost heaps, rotting fruit, and manure. You can distinguish it from psilocybe cubensis by the remains of a white blanket around 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 feature of these hallucinogenic mushrooms is their small size and black spore layer on the back of the cap. They prefer to grow in dense grass on soil rich in organic matter.
Conclusion
Psilocybe cubensis is of interest to specialists in order to study in more detail its therapeutic action. But all scientific research is carried out under tight control.
Any attempts to collect, harvest and grow this species in private are regarded as a violation of the law and threaten with criminal liability, as well as unpredictable consequences for health.
