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Types of Magic Mushrooms: Learn 3 Ways to Identify the Psilocybe Cubensis Common Strains and Varieties

Introduction to Psilocybe Cubensis

Psilocybe Cubensis also known as “magic mushroom” is a species renowned for its psychoactive properties, it was first described in 1906 by the American mycologist Franklin Sumner Earle. 

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Since its initial discovery in Cuba (hence the species name ‘cubensis’, meaning “from Cuba”) it has been identified in various tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.

The genus name ‘Psilocybe’ is derived from Greek, with ‘psilos’ meaning “bare” or “smooth” and ‘kube’ meaning “head,” referring to the typically smooth cap of these mushrooms.

This article delves into the common strains of Psilocybe Cubensis, each noted for its unique characteristics and effects.

Each strain of Psilocybe Cubensis possesses distinctive visual characteristics that can help in their identification. 

Today you’ll learn about 3 important parts of the mushroom: the cap, stem and gills. 

Your Visual Guide to Key Strains of Psilocybe Cubensis

GOLDEN TEACHER: A GATEWAY TO INSIGHT WITH PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS

The Golden Teacher strain is celebrated not only for its distinctive golden caps, but also for its ability to induce profound philosophical and insightful experiences.

Close-up of a Golden Teacher mushroom with a prominent cap and intricate gills, alongside dried mushrooms.

It’s a favorite “magic mushroom” among both beginners and experienced users for its moderate potency and enlightening effects.

Golden Teacher Anatomy

Cap: The caps of the Golden Teacher are typically broad and can range in color from a light, almost yellowish gold to a deeper golden hue. As the mushroom matures, the center of the cap may darken slightly.

Stem: The stems are usually thick and sturdy, often swollen at the base. They are pale, almost white or yellowish, and can show a bluish hue when bruised.

Gills:The gill color ranges from a light gray to a darker purplish brown as the mushroom ages, with the edges remaining lighter.

Golden Teacher is available in Our Menu, having many therapeutic properties for your health.

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ALBINO GOLDEN TEACHER: A POSSIBLE VARIANT

This is a variant of the popular Golden Teacher strain. It has similar properties in terms of its psychoactive effects and growth patterns, but features a distinctive lack of pigmentation, giving it an albino appearance.

ALBINO GOLDEN TEACHER ANATOMY

Cap: The cap of the Albino Golden Teacher is typically smaller and more rounded compared to other Psilocybe Cubensis strains. Its most notable feature is its coloration, which is usually pale or white, lacking the typical golden hue of the standard Golden Teacher due to its albino trait. The surface of the cap may appear slightly shiny or silky.

Stem: The stem is generally long and slender, maintaining a consistent pale or white coloration throughout. It might show some bluish bruising when handled, which is common in psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The base of the stem can sometimes be slightly swollen.

Gills: The gills of Albino Golden Teacher are initially light-colored, often a whitish or very pale grey, and become purplish black as the spores mature. 

Albino Penis Envy: Potent and Unique 

Albino Penis Envy (yes, that’s the name of this “magic mushroom”) is a notable and distinctive strain of Psilocybe Cubensis, which has garnered attention due to its unique appearance and high potency. 

"A group of ivory-colored mushrooms with elegant stems and broad caps against a white background.

Albino Penis Envy anatomy

Cap: The cap of Albino Penis Envy is usually smaller and more underdeveloped compared to other Psilocybe Cubensis strains. It retains a somewhat bulbous and often irregular shape and does not open fully like typical mushroom caps. This can sometimes give it a phallic appearance, which is partially why it has its name.

Stem: It is notably thick and dense, adding to its robust appearance. It tends to be somewhat shorter in relation to the cap size compared to other strains.

Gills: They are typically tightly packed and do not separate easily from the stem, due to the cap rarely fully opening.

Albino Penis Envy Mushroom is available in Our Menu, being one of many products you can experience.

A striking, large-cap mushroom in shades of brown and tan, with a thick stem and a cluster of smaller mushrooms at its base.

Melmac

This strain is actually a homestead variant of the well-known Penis Envy strain of Psilocybe Cubensis. It is notable for its unusual appearance, which includes a thicker, more contorted stem and a denser cap that doesn’t open fully. 

Melmac retains the high potency typical of the Penis Envy strain, both available in our menu.

MELMAC ANATOMY

Cap: The Melmac cap is notable for its robust and dense structure. It often appears somewhat bulbous and does not open fully, staying more convex or bell-shaped even in maturity. The color is typically a deep earthy brown, sometimes with slight variations or mottling.

Stem: The stem of Melmac is thicker and often irregular compared to other strains. It may display more pronounced contortions or twists. Like many Psilocybe Cubensis strains, it tends to bruise bluish where damaged or handled, which is an indicator of psilocybin content. The texture of the stem is smooth with a somewhat fibrous quality.

Gills: The gills under the cap are densely packed and can range from a light greyish color in younger mushrooms to a dark purple or nearly black as they age. The tight spacing and depth of coloration in the gills are a reflection of their spore density.

Understanding Psilocybe Varieties Beyond Cubensis

While Psilocybe Cubensis is prolific in cultivation, other species like Psilocybe Semilanceata, Psilocybe Azurescens, Psilocybe Mexicana, and Psilocybe Cyanescens are mostly found in the wild. Each of these species is known for specific characteristics.

An informative display of various Psilocybe mushroom species, each with a description, against a dark background with the Shroom Groove logo.

Importance of Accurate Identification

Identifying and differentiating between Psilocybe strains and species is crucial for safe consumption and understanding their effects. Always refer to reputable mycological sources and communities for accurate information.

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