Two New Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Found

Two new hallucinogenic fungi species have been discovered and formally classified, adding to the approximately 140 known varieties of psychoactive gilled mushrooms.

Researchers from Stellenbosch University, along with citizen mycologists, used phylogenetic and morphological analysis to confirm that the two mushrooms, Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti, are novel species. These were found in southern Africa, bringing the total number of endemic psychoactive species on the continent to six.

Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti in Southern Africa

Psilocybe ingeli was discovered in grasslands of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province, whereas Psilocybe maluti was located roughly 310 miles (500 km) away in the Free State Province and also observed in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Named after the Maluti Mountains, P. maluti has a wider distribution across South Africa.

Morphologically, they are distinct: P. ingeli features a hemispheric cap and exposed gills, while P. maluti has a more bulbous, ‘secotioid‘ cap. Despite these differences, both species share a common trait of being associated with cow dung, as they were initially found either in soil rich in bovine manure or growing directly from it.

Citizen Scientists Key to Discovering and Analyzing New Species

According to the researchers, these species might never have been discovered without the contribution of citizen science enthusiasts, especially expert mycologists. Both mushroom species were sent to Breyten van der Merwe at Stellenbosch University for DNA sequencing and genetic analysis.

“These two species were provided to me by citizen scientists,” said van der Merwe, the study’s first author and a trained mycologist. “A single researcher couldn’t cover even a small portion of the areas accessed by these mushroom enthusiasts. This collaboration is crucial for advancing studies in African mycology.”

Psilocybe maluti in Traditional Medicine

Through collaboration with Mosotho traditional healer Mamosebetsi Sethathi, researchers found that Psilocybe maluti has been used in cultural practices in Lesotho. This represents the only documented instance of psychedelic mushrooms in traditional African medicine, where it is locally known as “koae-ea-lekhoaba.”

“There are very few mycologists in Africa documenting local biodiversity,” noted Professor Karin Jacobs from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Microbiology. “Given the vast mycological diversity across the continent, this is a formidable challenge. Working with citizen mycologists is extremely advantageous, as it not only provides more material but also fosters conversations and explorations, contributing to documenting the love of mushrooms (mycophilia) in Africa.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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