Discovery of Psilocybe ochraceocentrata: A New Chapter in Magic Mushroom Evolution

Recent research has unveiled a new species of magic mushroom, Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, found in the grasslands of South Africa and Zimbabwe. This discovery, published in the *Proceedings B of the Royal Society*, challenges the long-standing narrative surrounding the origins of the widely cultivated Psilocybe cubensis, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history than previously understood. Genetic analysis indicates that P. ochraceocentrata and P. cubensis diverged from a common ancestor approximately 1.5 million years ago, contradicting the belief that P. cubensis spread to the Americas via cattle in the 1500s.

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Breyten van der Merwe, a mycologist and PhD student at Stellenbosch University, co-authored the study and emphasized the genetic, ecological, and chemical differences between the two species. P. ochraceocentrata, known for its potency and ease of cultivation, has been recognized under names such as “NSS” (Natal super strength) or “Transkei.” Despite its popularity, the distinction from P. cubensis was not acknowledged until this research.

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The research team, which included experts from Clark University, Duke University, and the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, utilized advanced methods such as multi-locus phylogenetic analysis and ecological niche modeling to analyze both contemporary and historical specimens. Dr. Cathy Sharp, a member of the team, had previously identified early specimens of P. ochraceocentrata in Zimbabwe in 2013, highlighting the under-sampling of fungal diversity in Africa.

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The study proposes several explanations for the divergence of these species millions of years ago. During this period, environmental changes, including the expansion of grasslands in South America and the movement of grazing animals from Africa into Eurasia, may have created new ecological niches that facilitated the separate evolution of P. cubensis and P. ochraceocentrata.

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While the findings present a significant advancement in understanding the evolutionary history of magic mushrooms, some experts may question the implications of these discoveries on the broader classification of fungi and the potential for further undiscovered species. The debate surrounding the classification and origins of psychedelic fungi remains ongoing, with calls for more extensive research in under-explored regions.

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• “It’s one of the most popular strains of magic mushrooms, because it is quite potent and easy to grow. But until this study, nobody realized it was a totally separate species from the classic magic mushroom,” — Breyten van der Merwe, Mycologist, Stellenbosch University

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• “These environmental shifts may have created new ecological opportunities, leading to the separate evolution of P.” — Alexander James Bradshaw, Co-Author

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This discovery not only rewrites the evolutionary history of magic mushrooms but also opens avenues for future research into the genetic diversity and ecological roles of fungi.

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