Psilocybe atlantis

Psilocybe atlantis is a rare psychedelic mushroom which contains psilocybin and psilocin as main active compounds. It is a close relative of Psilocybe mexicana and has been recorded only from Georgia.

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Daily Visual Balance Check

Weighing the right way

Description

The mushroom's hygrophanous cap ranges from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter, bruising blue where damaged. Its form is conic to convex, smooth to slightly striate, sometimes with a small umbo. The cap surface is pale brown to reddish brown in color. The gills are subadnate, thin and brown. The stipe is 5 cm by .3cm, equal, brownish with small brown scales especially towards the base, bruising blue where damaged. The spore size is about 9 x 6 x 5.5 µm with a broad germ pore. Odor and taste pleasant.

Psilocybe atlantis is known to form sclerotia, which are masses of mycelium harder than normal. Indeed, the fungus has an exceptional ability for forming sclerotia.

Distribution and habitat

Psilocybe atlantis has been found in grassy lawns and vacant lots in Fulton County, Georgia.