PSILOCYBE MEXICANA: CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT, CULTIVATION AND EFFECTS - BIOLOGY - 2025

Psilocybe mexicana is a species of psilocybin fungus belonging to the Strophariaceae family, endemic to the Mesoamerican region. Known for its psychotropic properties, it has been used for more than 2,000 years by pre-Hispanic cultures.

The Aztec peoples called it teonanácatl, a word derived from Nahuatl teó (ti) = god, and nanácatl = mushroom or fungus. Expression that is translated as "mushroom of god", even though some experts interpret it as "flesh of the gods".

Psilocybe mexicana. Source: Alan Rockefeller

The structure of the fungus is born directly from the ground, it has a thin stem with a bell-shaped cup of brown color. The numerous internal cells have an ocher to dark violet color, it has an acid taste and a strong penetrating odor.

The active principle of these hallucinogenic mushrooms -psilocybios- are the psychoactive substances called psilocybin and psilocin. It has been determined that these elements constitute 0.003% of the wild fungus, which represents 0.3% in dried material.

Psilocybin-containing fungi often grow in tropical and subtropical regions, on humic soils, and on plant debris. Currently, various tribal groups in the central region of Mexico continue to use this mushroom in their traditional rites.

General characteristics

Morphology

The Psilocybe mexicana species is characterized by a conical or bell-shaped fruiting body, pileus or basidiocarp, 10-15 cm in diameter. Ocher or dark brown to gray and yellowish tones, sometimes with blue-green spots.

The texture of the crown is viscous and moist, slightly translucent, smooth and slightly striated with grooves towards the margins. Towards the interior, the sinuous and adnate lamellae are observed, with a purplish brown to pale gray color and whitish edges.

Internal structure of the Psilocybe mexicana. Source: A. Cortés-Pérez (Alonso)

The stipe or stem of the mushroom is uniform and smooth, 40-100 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. Generally hollow, silky, light beige to dark brown, with yellow or red hues, dark when handled.

When the fungus emerges, it forms a thin, silky, wispy, white veil that ends in fibrils on the stipe or around the crown. The spores are ovoid or ellipsoidal, 6-9 mm, thick-walled and germinating pore, dark purple-brown in color.

The fruiting body has a farinaceous smell and taste, similar to flour. It is a species that establishes small colonies of basidiocarps or grows solitary.

Common name

Angelito (Psilocybe mexicana R. Heim 1957) Source: Alan Rockefeller

In its place of origin it receives different names: angelito, alcalde, amokia, amokid, atkat, cuiyajotoki, dichitonize or dinize. As well as, sacred mushroom, fungus of laughter, kongk, mbeysan, ndishitjonise, nize, piitpapiule de churis or teotlaquilnanácatl.

Taxonomy

• Psilocybe mexicana was referred to by Roger Jean Heim in Revue Mycologique (Paris), 22: 77 (1957).
• Fungi kingdom
• Division: Basidiomycota
• Class: Agaricomycetes
• Order: Agaricales
• Family: Strophariaceae
• Genus: Psilocybe
• Species: Psilocybe mexicana R. Heim 1957.

Distribution and habitat

The Psilocybe mexicana species develops exclusively in the subtropical regions of Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. It is found in small groups or solitary in wet meadows or along roads, particularly around forests.

It grows in soils with a high content of organic matter, in pastures and fallow fields, never directly on manure. Likewise, at the foot of some trees such as poplar or beech (Platanus lindeniana), in subtropical deciduous forests or mountain mesophiles.

It is a species that adapts to temperate and humid climates, average annual rainfall of 800-3,000 mm and variable temperature 15-23º C. Commonly in cloud forests with high atmospheric humidity associated with forest species such as Alnus, Clethra, Liquidambar, Nyssa, Quercus and Tilia.

Culture

This fungus is a saprophytic species that feeds on dead, decomposing organic matter. It is of great ecological importance since it favors the degradation of the vegetal layer and the recycling of nutrients in the soil.

On the other hand, it is a species that colonizes areas near deciduous forests with a high content of plant material, which is why it constitutes a fungus with a high capacity for ecological adaptation in environments conducive to its development.

Psilocybe mexicana spores. Source: Alan Rockefeller

The propagation of this species is restricted to the conservation of cloudy and temperate forests where it develops in the wild; the loss of these ecosystems could reduce the population and the conditions for their viability, substantially limiting their distribution.

In the central zone of Mexico, humid forests cover only 1% of the total area. In fact, they are threatened by the increase in agricultural, livestock, forestry and agro-industrial operations.

Effects edit

The psilocybin mushroom Psilocybe mexicana contains the compounds psilocybin and psilocin that have psychedelic, hallucinogenic or entheogenic effects. Depending on the dose, the person experiences a more or less intense trance or ecstasy, being a pleasant or unpleasant experience.

The first symptoms are expressed as a great euphoria accompanied by laughter and pleasant expressions of joy. Later, a state of tranquility and calm is reached, achieving clarity and mental clarity.

Detail of material collected from Psilocybe mexicana. Source: Cactu

The sense of perception is altered, time slows down, colors mix and lights increase in brightness. Forms are distorted, strange sounds are perceived and the intensity of emotions is increased.

In general, the person feels strange, reaches a mystical and pleasant state of total intoxication. However, the individual can fall into a critical state of terror and very unpleasant deep fear capable of causing a traumatic shock.

The duration of the experience can vary between 15-60 min to 4-6 hours, depending on the dose consumed, in addition to the person's health, idiosyncrasies, mood and strength.

Side effects

Decreased blood pressure, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, vertigo, sweating, and chills commonly occur. In fact, the person experiences disorientation, headache, dry mouth, anxiety, confusion, weakness, and increased body temperature.

Contraindications

Do not supply to children, pregnant or lactating women, or to people allergic to psychotropics. Nor to people with psychological conditions or disorders or under psychiatric observation.

Its consumption is restricted by people who drive vehicles or handle heavy and dangerous equipment or machinery. Likewise, in people who work in health care services, public order or school institutions.

References

1. Serrano Hurtado, D. (2009). Psilocybin: Historical and Pharmacological Perspective and Authorized Current Research. Culture and Drugs, 14 (6): 165-188.
2. Guzmán Gastón, Ramírez-Guillén Florencia, Tapia Fidel & Navarro Pilar (1999) The species of the genus Psilocybe (Fungi, Basidiomycotina, Agaricales) known from Veracruz (Mexico). Acta Botánica Mexicana. No. 49, pp 35-46. ISSN 0187-7151
3. Guzmán, G., Escalona, ​​F., & Ramírez-Guillén, F. (2004). New records in Mexico of Psilocybe species (Basidiomycotina, Agaricales, Strophariaceae). Scientia Fungorum, 3 (19), 23-31.
4. Little bird (Psilocybe mexicana) (2018) Naturalist. Recovered in: naturalista.mx
5. Little Bird (Psilocybe mexicana) Agaricaceae (2009) Atlas of the Plants of Traditional Mexican Medicine. Recovered in: medicinatraditionalmexicana.unam.mx
6. Psilocybe mexicana (2018) Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: wikipedia.org
7. Mushrooms Psilocybin Mushrooms (2004) Energy Control. ABD Welfare and Development Association. Recovered at: energycontrol.org