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HOW TO IDENTIFY MUSHROOMS BY THE MUSHROOM SPORE STORE
As Part of your Journey in the World of Amateur Microscopy or Mycological Research, you may Find Yourself Interested in Learning More About Cubensis Mushrooms Themselves, Rather Than just their Spores Alone.
Like the spores they produce, cubensis mushrooms are beautiful organisms growing naturally all over the world. While their spores are legal in most states, mature cubensis mushrooms remain illegal across the country. It is highly recommended to have a firm understanding of your local laws prior to interacting with any mature cubensis mushrooms. Refrain from physically interacting with mature cubensis mushrooms unless you are a trained expert obeying your local laws.
As long as you are obeying local laws, cubensis mushrooms are fascinating to study! However, this article will be discussing mature cubensis mushrooms that remain illegal almost everywhere. If you are interested in figuring out how to identify cubensis mushrooms, then this article is for you!
Continue reading to learn about the unique characteristics of the mushrooms including Psilocybe cubensis, Popular strains and hybrids of Psilocybe Cubensis, Psilocybe Azurescens, Psilocybe Semilanceata, Psilocybe Mexicana, Psilocybe Cyanescens And Psilocybe Baeocystis!
HOW TO IDENTIFY CUBENSIS MUSHROOMS – These mushrooms tend to share many of the same traits. Typically, though not always, researchers will look for mushrooms featuring a golden brown coloring. These stems will often have a blue mottling, usually when the stems are bruised. This is the result of a chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen and cubensis meet. Regarding psilocybe cubensis identification, these mushrooms will have a purple veil protecting the gills. If broken, the stem will feature a small dark purple ring.
HOW TO IDENTIFY PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS
The popularity of Psilocybe cubensis can be attributed to its wide availability, as it grows all across the U.S. and Central America. It has been grown in Cuba, South America, Australia and Asia, as well.
Now, you may be wondering how spores can so reliably find their way to be so-called “cow patties.” It is true that mushrooms can cleverly distribute their spores, yet in this case the spores are almost always on whatever grazing animals are eating beforehand.
This process look a bit like this: a cow, for example, eats some food, typically grass. If the feed features spores, the animal will consume that too. Because the stomach of most animals has such low acidity levels, the spores may get the opportunity to germinate inside the animal. When the animal then relieves itself, the mushrooms can use the nutrients in its waste to continue maturing. Cubensis mushrooms do not typically grow underneath manure, though.
Appearance-wise, Psilocybe cubensis changes color depending on age. When young, its coloration is a combination of red and brown. As it matures, it will take a golden brown coloration, eventually growing yellow or white as it gets older. The cap is conical or bell-shaped when young, eventually expanding to a more convex appearance in time. A blueish tint is visible when bruised.
Due to its popularity, there are countless strains of Psilocybe cubensis. Let’s take a deeper look into some of the more popular strains of cubensis below.
PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS STRAINS: WHAT TO KNOW
There are so many strains of Psilocybe cubensis that it would be nearly impossible to cover them all right here. Instead, we’ll go over some of the most popular varieties.
The most well known strain has to be Golden Teacher, which most mycologists agree is the best for beginner researchers. This mildly potent strain features wide and golden-colored caps, along with thick, winding stems.
Yet another popular strain is the B+ cubensis strain. Mycologists believe this strain grows in humid areas across the U.S., such as Florida. This strain is a hybrid of Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe azurescens, germinating in the wild and featuring a caramel-colored cap at maturity.
Penis Envy (PE) is another wildly popular strain of cubensis mushrooms. This mushroom is shaped like its name suggests, with a golden brown cap and pale yellow stem. Researchers note that this strain has a propensity for contamination and a short lifespan. A popular hybrid combining with the PE strain and PF Albino is the Albino Penis Envy strain. This strain has a small, blue cap, with a wide stem.
Now let’s take a closer look at Psilocybe azurescens below!
FACTS TO KNOW!
Decriminalization is best described as when the criminal penalties attributed to an illegal act aren’t being enforced by the local governing body anymore. If described as “decriminalized,” it’s likely that an action is still illegal, but that offenders won’t be subject to criminal penalties—though they may still incur a fine or civil penalties.
HOW TO IDENTIFY PSILOCYBE MEXICANA, THE MUSHROOM NATIVE TO CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
The Psilocybe mexicana species has a long history, with human interactions going back hundreds of years. Used in spiritual practices and religious rituals, Psilocybe mexicana often appears like Psilocybe semilanceata to the untrained eye.
Just like Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe mexicana has a bell-shaped cap with brown coloring. The stems are not usually as curved, taking on a yellow coloration. When bruised, Psilocybe mexicana appears dark blue in affected areas.
These mushrooms can grow at elevations below 1,000 feet, amid grass or moss. Psilocybe mexicana can be solitary, but it is usually spotted in groupings. It is most likely to be seen between the months of May and October.
RECOGNIZING PSILOCYBE CYANESCENS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS “WAVY CAPS” CUBENSIS MUSHROOMS
This is a prolific mushroom species, which grows across Canada and the U.S. It can also be found in Iran, New Zealand and parts of Europe.
It often grows in urban areas, though naturally instead of part of cultivation. Psilocybe cyanescens can crop up whenever homeowners mulch their plant beds.
The “Wavy Caps” name comes from the distinctly wavy appearance of the mushroom’s cap. The more mature this mushroom is, the more likely the cap is to take on an increasingly wavy appearance. The gills are thick, often causing grooves to appear on the cap, especially when well hydrated. Caps and gills have caramel coloration, but when bruised it can appear dark blue, similar to cubensis mushrooms.
CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES HAVE DECRIMINALIZED CUBENSIS!
It is crucial to always be careful noting the difference between decriminalization and legalization, which we discussed in an earlier article (this is very important, so if you skimmed that bit, scroll back up and read it!). The three municipalities in the Untied States which have decriminalized cubensis are as follows:
- DENVER, COLORADO
- OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
- SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
WHAT DOES WILD PSILOCYBE BAEOCYSTIS LOOK LIKE?
Referred to as “blue bells” or “bottle caps,” Psilocybe Baeocystis grows naturally in Northwestern parts of the U.S. due to both frequent rainfalls and high humidity. Like Psilocybe cyanescens, this species loves both mulch and wood chips, sometimes found in landscaped areas.
Psilocybe baeocystis has unique coloring, appearing dark green, which can make it hard to spot in terrain with similar colors. Sometimes, it can have blue tinges without even bruising. It features a conical cap with a white stem.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT MUSHROOMS, WHY NOT STUDY THEIR SPORES?
Identifying mature mushrooms is one thing, but did you know that microscopists can also identify mushrooms based solely on spore characteristics? If you want to test your taxonomy skills, it’s crucial to learn about the spores just as much as the mature mushrooms.
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