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Blue psilocybe is a member of the Strophariaceae family, the genus Psilocybe. The synonym of this name is the Latin term – Psilocybe cyanescens. Belongs to the category of inedible and hallucinogenic mushrooms. The use and collection is officially prohibited not only in Our Country, but also in some other countries.
Description of psilocybe blue
This variety needs acidic soil rich in organic matter.
The fruiting body is a small cap and a thin stem. The flesh is white, on the cut it changes its color to blue. It has a light floury aroma.
Cap Description
When dry or damaged, the cap of Psilocybe cyanescens turns blue.
At a young age, the cap is rounded, after some time it becomes prostrate, reaches 2-4 cm in diameter. It is distinguished by uneven and wavy edges. Color varies from yellow to brown. As a rule, the color of the hat is directly related to weather conditions. For example, in dry and hot times, the hat is colored yellow, and during heavy rains it darkens and acquires a certain oiliness. When pressing on the pulp, a blue-green tint appears, in some cases bluish spots can be found located along the edges of the cap.
On the underside there are rare plates adhering to the surface of the fruiting body. At a young age, they are painted in an ocher color, with time they acquire a dark brown hue. Spore powder purple-brown.
Description of the leg
This species prefers to grow in large groups.
At the initial stage of maturation, the leg is white, with age it acquires a bluish tint. In length it reaches about 5 cm, and the thickness is 5-8 mm in diameter. When pressed, it becomes bluish. On its surface, there are weakly expressed remains of a partial veil.
Where and how does psilocybe grow blue
Active fruiting occurs in the autumn period. As a rule, psilocybe blue prefers places with high humidity and rich soil. This specimen can be found on wastelands, roadsides, forest edges and pastures. Mushrooms grow exclusively in groups, growing together with legs.
Twins and their differences
Related species of psilocybe blue are the following:
- Czech psilocybe is a hallucinogenic mushroom that grows in coniferous, mixed or deciduous forests. The surface of the cap is colored in brownish shades, covered with mucus, turning blue on the cut. The leg is thin, fibrous, becoming tubular with age, wavy with a bluish tint. The difference from blue psilocybe is the bell-shaped hat.
- Psilocybe semilanceolate is a poisonous species that has a lot of other names: “Cap of Freedom”, “Acute Conical Bald Head”, “Umbrella of Freedom”, “Veselushka”. It is a small mushroom. The diameter of the cap of such an specimen is no more than 2,5 cm. The shape of the cap varies from semicircular to conical with a small central tubercle. In dry weather, it is painted beige, and during heavy rains it acquires darker brown shades. When dry or damaged, it becomes bluish.
The effect of blue psilocybe on the body
Psilocybe bluish pulp contains psychoactive substances called psilocybin and psilocin. Literally half an hour after consumption, you can notice the first signs of poisoning: the victim begins to chill, hallucinations appear. After 2 hours, the peak occurs, and the total duration is from 4 to 7 hours. In some cases, the use of a poisonous product leads to a violation of perception and clouding of reason. In such cases, the help of a psychotherapist will be required to remove a person from a difficult condition.
Substances such as psilocin and psilocybin are not narcotic and therefore not addictive. However, long-term use of blue psilocybe can form a mental dependence, as well as cause neurosis and schizophrenia. A lethal outcome is not ruled out.
Responsibility for collection and distribution
In Our Country, the collection and cultivation of blue psilocybe is prohibited. This is regulated by the following documents: article 231 of the Criminal Code of the Federation, 10.5 and 10.5.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Federation, Government Decree No.
Conclusion
Despite the small size of the fruiting bodies, blue psilocybe is a dangerous fungus. Eating this poisonous specimen in food can cause auditory and visual hallucinations. In some cases, it can be fatal.