The Different Types of Magic Mushrooms and Their Unique Properties
On : February 7, 2023
Edible mushrooms are very often used in gastronomy. However, there are also species famous for something other than their taste. Known as magic, psychedelic, or psychotropic mushrooms, they can cause differences in perception, mood, and behavior.
Most of these types of fungi belong to the genus Psilocybe. There are also mushrooms from other genera that can cause hallucinations, but many purists say the Psilocybe shrooms are the “real” magic mushrooms. Germinated magic mushroom spores cause hallucinations since they contain psychotropic substances (psilocybin and psilocin). Some species also contain weaker psychotropic compounds (e.g., baeocystin or norbaeocystine).
The most famous types of magic mushrooms
Psilocybe cubensis
This is a fungus native to Central America, South America, eastern Australia, and Asia. Its hat measures from 2 to 8 centimeters in diameter.
Fly agaric
It is a species native to Europe that reaches a height of up to 20 centimeters. It has a white leg and a red hat.
Gymnopilus junonius
This species grows in many areas, from the northern half of Africa, India, Australia, and Southeast Asia, to Germany, France, and Russia. Once adult, it has a convex hat up to 20 centimeters in diameter.
Panaeolus cyanescens
This species is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It reaches a size of 7 to 12 centimeters in height, and the hat has a light gray color at maturity.
