Magic Mushroom

Psilocybe cubensis

Also known as: Golden Teacher, Cubes

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Edibility psychoactive

Phylum Basidiomycota

Family Hymenogastraceae

Conservation Not threatened; widely distributed and cultivated

Complete Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Family: Hymenogastraceae

Genus: Psilocybe

Species: P. cubensis

Description

Psilocybe cubensis is a psychoactive mushroom containing psilocybin and psilocin, which produce hallucinogenic effects. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it grows on cattle dung and rich grasslands. It has been used in traditional spiritual practices and is currently under medical research for treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Legal status varies globally; it remains controlled in most countries.

Physical Characteristics

Cap Shape: Conical becoming convex to flat, often with central umbo

Cap Color: Golden-brown to yellowish, bruising blue; 1.5-8 cm diameter

Size: 1.5-8 cm diameter

Gill Attachment: Adnate to adnexed, gray becoming dark purple-brown

Spore Print: Dark purple-brown

Stipe: White, hollow, bruising blue, with membranous ring; 4-15 cm tall

Habitat: Coprophilous on cattle dung in tropical and subtropical grasslands

Fruiting Season: After rains in warm weather

Distribution

Native to Gulf Coast states, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean; introduced worldwide

Habitat

Grows on cattle and water buffalo dung in humid grasslands and pastures. Requires warm temperatures and high humidity.

Ecological Role

Coprophilous decomposer, breaking down herbivore dung in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Part of dung fungal succession.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Contains psilocybin and psilocin. Produces hallucinations, altered perception, euphoria, anxiety, nausea. Not physically toxic but psychological effects can be intense and unpredictable. Illegal in most jurisdictions.

Medicinal & Nutritional Properties

Psilocybin shows promise treating treatment-resistant depression
Clinical trials for PTSD, anxiety, addiction
May promote neuroplasticity and neurogenesis
Used in traditional shamanic practices for centuries
Being researched for end-of-life anxiety in terminal patients
Shows potential for cluster headache treatment

Cultural Significance

Used in traditional Mesoamerican spiritual practices for millennia. Central to 1960s counterculture. Currently experiencing medical research renaissance. Subject of decriminalization movements in various jurisdictions. Widely cultivated despite legal restrictions.

Fascinating Facts

Bruises blue due to psilocin oxidation
Easily cultivated on grain substrates
Effects last 4-6 hours
Psilocybin converts to psilocin (active compound) in body
Johns Hopkins and other institutions researching medical uses
Decriminalized in some US cities and states
Various strains with different potencies
Traditional use dates back thousands of years in Central America