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New Psychedelic Mushroom Species Discovered in Southern Africa

3/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Proceedings B identifies a new species, Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, found in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Genetic analysis shows Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe ochraceocentrata diverged about 1.5 million years ago, challenging the cattle-spread idea for Psilocybe cubensis.
The study notes environmental changes may have driven their separate evolution and provides genetic insights for future psychedelic fungi research.

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Story summary

A study published in Proceedings B identifies a new species, Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, found in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Genetic analysis shows Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe ochraceocentrata diverged about 1.5 million years ago, challenging the cattle-spread idea for Psilocybe cubensis.
The study notes environmental changes may have driven their separate evolution and provides genetic insights for future psychedelic fungi research.