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Shrooms! an online resource for magic mushroom enthusiasts Psilly Simon's Mushroom Growin' Guide The Anarchist's Cookbook Guide From the excellent field guide,Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora: Psilocybe cyanescens Psilocybe semilanceata A Field Guide to [Some] North American Magic Mushrooms Psilocybe cubensis Psilocybe subbalteatus Psilocybe caerulescens Mushrooms of Thailand, Australia and New Zealand by John Allen Excerpts from Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide by Oss and Oeric: Mushroom Cultivation Harvesting and Drying Mushrooms The instruction sheet supplied with Homestead spore prints Two excerpts from Steven Pollock's Growing Magic Mushrooms: The Simplest Technique from Scratch The Rice-Cake Technique Growing Psychedelic Mushrooms, by Bill Jones The so-called "Killer Shroom File from Hell" Lucy's Gro-Guide Various excerpts from The Mushroom Cultivator by Stamets and Chilton: Growing Parameters for Psilocybe cubensis Growing Parameters for Psilocybe cyanescens Mushroom Genetics Trouble-Shooting Guide for Mushroom Growers Harvesting and Preserving Mushrooms (from Stevens & Gee) Reflections on Psychedelic Mycophagy by Andrew Weil

AGURELL S; NILSSON LG
Biosynthesis of Psilocybin II. Incorporation of labelled tryptamine derivatives.
Acta.Chem.Scand. 22:1210-8 (1968) QD1.A325
The biosynthesis of psilocybin has been investigated by feeding labelled precursors to Psilocybe cubensis. The following specifically labelled compounds were synthesized: psilocin-3H, 4-hydroxytryptamine-14C, N,N-dimethyltryptamine-14C and -14C-3H, N-methyltryptamine-14C=3H and DL-Tryptophan-3H. A number of other indoles were labelled by acid catalyzed exchange in tritiated water. The experimental data suggest a sequence: tryptophan -> tryptamine -> N-methyltryptamine -> N,N-dimethyltryptamine -> psilocin -> psilocybin. The fungus can also by an alternative route convert 4-hydroxytryptamine to psilocybin. Large differences in the rate of absorption of different closely related precursors has been observed.

Allen JW; Merlin MD
Psychoactive mushroom use in Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan, Thailand.
J.Ethnopharmacol; 1992 Jan; 35(3); P 205-28
This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Field observations, interviews and collection of fungi specimens were carried out primarily on two islands, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan, situated in the western region of the Gulf of Siam. Some fieldwork was also conducted in the northern Thai province of Chiang Dao and in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. During five separate excursions (1989-90), observations were made of occurrence, harvesting, use, and marketing of psychoactive fungi by local Thai natives (males and females, adults and children), foreign tourists, and German immigrants. The first records of psychoactive Psilocybe subcubensis and Copelandia dung fungi in Thailand are presented in this paper. These fungi exhibited intense bluing reactions when handled, indicating the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin. Seven collections of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer and/or Psilocybe subcubensis Guzman and four collections of Copelandia sp. were harvested and sun-dried for herbarium deposit. These fungi are cultivated or occur spontaneously, often appearing in the decomposed manure of domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and at least three different species of cattle (Bos indicus, B. guarus, and B. sundaicus). The psychoactive fungi are cultivated in clandestine plots, both indoors and outdoors, in the uplands and villages on Koh Samui by both Thai natives and some foreigners. The sale of psychoactive fungi directly to tourists and to resort restaurants for use in edible food items such as omelettes and soups is discussed in detail. The preparation and sale of mushroom omelettes adulterated with artificial hallucinogens in some restaurants is also discussed. In addition, the marketing of items such as hand painted T-shirts, post cards, and posters bearing mushroom related motifs in Thailand is described.

AMES RW
The Influence of Temperature on Mycelial Growth of Psilocybe cubensis, Panaeolus, and Copelandia.
Mycopath. et Mycol. Appl. 9:268-274 (1958)
Temperature. Psilocybin Mushrooms

BADHAM E R
The effect of light upon basidiocarp initiation in Psilocybe cubensis.
Mycologia; Vol. 72 (1980) p 136-142
Formation of basidiocarp initials in Psilocybe cubensis occurred only when cultures were illuminated. Short durations of light (0.0025 sec of xenon-arc flash) were sufficient for initiation. Light-induced initiation was saturated at a dose of 3450 erg/cm^2 at 460 nm. UV and blue wavelengths of 370, 440 and 460 nm were the most effective. Green and red wavelengths greater than 510 nm were ineffective. [MUSHROOM]

BADHAM ER
The effect of light upon basidiocarp initiation in Psilocybe cubensis
Mycologia; Vol 72 (1980) p 136-142
Preparation of cultures - An agar medium (Brodie, 1975) containing relatively low levels of sugars (maltose, dextrose, sucrose), aparagine, peptone, yeast extract, in addition to salts was used Six ml of medium were poured and slanted in plastic test tubes (16x125mm) giving a surface area of 3 square cm Inoculation of these tubes was mde form stock cultures which were grown in the dark for one month in plastic petri plates (15x100mm) with taped lids One 3x3-mm cube was taken from these and placed in each slant tube The slant tube caps were not tightly closed These transfers were made under 'safe' light (15-watt incandescent light filtered by a red filter, Carolina Biological Supply red 650) The cultures were grown for 3 weeks in a well-ventilated but light-tight boxes Both cultures and and light sources were kept in a controlled-temperature room at 21 degrees C +/-2 and under relative humidity of 85% +/- 15% In most cases light treatments were given once per day for 5 days; the cultures were examined on day 6 Exposures were given at the same time each day If manipulations were necessary they were accomplished under the safe light described above

BADHAM, EDMOND R
The influence of humidity upon transpiration and growth in Psilocybe cubensis
Mycologia; Vol 77(6) 1985 p 932-939
... Materials and Methods -- The strain of P. cubensis used was (ATCC 36462). Cultures were grown on sterilized brown rice (6g/15 ml deionized water) in 60x15 mm Petri dishes until mycelia covered the substrate. The mycelial mats (and substrate) were then removed and placed in 130 mm pie tins with vermiculite, 30ml of deionized water was added, and the containers were covered with glass. All mushrooms were allowed to develop to at least 10mm in height under deep Petri plates (80x100mm) and 12 hour photoperiod of 11.2 W/mý (2685 lux) 'cool white' fluorescent light prior to experimentation. The deep Petri plate was removed (to allow for aeration) when the cultures were weighed daily, and any loss in weight was made up with distilled water. Dry weights were determined to the nearest mg after drying in an oven at 60 degrees C for 24 hours. In each test culture only the largest basidiocarp of the first flush was used for experiments. The others were removed at the beginning of the test period and the water content of the second largest (second rank) was determined at that time to be used as an indication of the initial per cent water of the experimental mushroom (first rank). The water content of these two mushrooms from the same mycelium would be very similar because their size, age, and stage of development was nearly the same and they had been exposed to the same environmental conditions.

BADHAM, EDMOND R
The influence of humidity upon transpiration and growth in Psilocybe cubensis
Mycologia; Vol 77(6) 1985 p 932-939
The influence of humidity upon individual basidiocarps of Psilocybe cubensis was studied using an environmentally controlled wind tunnel and a computer program which helped to model growth and development. Regression models were developed which were able to explain 77% of the variation in the transpiration rate and 68% of the variation in growth rate. Transpiration and growth of this mushroom were significantly correlated with the humidity of the air. The fastest growth and the lowest transpiration occurred at the highest humidities. No inhibition of growth was detected at 0 pascals VPD (100% RH). Misting accelerated growth and transpiration while light had no effect. Although humidity was a very important factor influencing transpiration and growth, the size and shape of the mushroom were also important in water relations. The final water content of basidiocarps with thin stipes or those with larger area-to-volume ratios was significantly lower than that of thick-stiped mushrooms or those small area-to-volume ratios with even when grown under equal humidity. Growth rates under conditions which promoted the highest levels of hydration of the basidiocarp were rapid (up to estimated 4% increase in dry weight per hour).

BADHAM, EDMOND R
Tropisms in the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis.
Mycologia; Vol. 74 (1982) p 275-?
The growth of the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis was studied in a wind tunnel under controlled conditions of wind velocity, humidity, temperature,and light. The basidiocarp stipe grew into the wind up to the time of spore formation. When rotated with the long axis of the stipe perpendicular to the wind, fruitbodies grew upright. When spores began to be formed a negative geotropic curvature of the stipe occurred but no recurvation occurred in a sporeless mutant.

BIGWOOD J; BEUG M
Variation of psilocybin and psilocin levels with repeated flushes (harvests) of mature sporocarps of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1982 May. 5(3). P 287-91.
Analysis of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer grown in controlled culture showed that the level of psilocin was generally zero in the first (or sometimes even the second) fruiting of the mushroom from a given culture and that the level reached a maximum by the fourth flush. The level of psilocybin, which was nearly always at least twice the level of psilocin, showed no upward or downward trend as fruiting progressed, but was variable over a factor of four. Samples obtained from outside sources had psilocybin levels varying by over a factor of ten from one collection to the next.

CASALE JF
An aqueous-organic extraction method for the isolation and identification of psilocin from hallucinogenic mushrooms.
J Forensic Sci. 1985 Jan. 30(1). P 247-50.
A simple aqueous extraction method for the isolation and identification of psilocin from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms is reported. This method employs a dephosphorylation of the phosphate ester to psilocin, which facilitates a greater product yield and simplifies identification. Psilocin extracted by this method is sufficiently concentrated and free of cocontaminants to allow identification by infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

CATALFOMO P; TYLER VE
The Production of Psilocybin in Submerged Culture by Psilocybe cubensis.
Lloydia 27(1):53-63 (1984)
Psilocybe cubensis in submerged culture.

CHILTON; BIGWOOD; JENSEN
Psilocin, bufotenine & serotonin
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs; Vol. 11(1-2) Jan-Jun 1979
[Excerpt] We have investigated the biosynthesis of psilocin in a strain of Psilocybe cubensis from the Amazon valley, employing the non-radioactive deuterium label. Experiments were carried out to find the smallest size culture which would reliably produce mushrooms in order to maintain a high concentration of deuterated compounds without having to use a large amount of labeled compounds. Although mushrooms were obtained on a litle as 17 grains of rye, a more reliable fruiting mass was obtained on minicultures of 10 g rye grain in 15 g water. Two weeks after inoculation the minicultures were cased with vermiculite, peat moss, sand and crushed oyster shell. Fruiting occurred five to six weeks after inoculation. The yield of mushrooms appeared relatively unaffected by addition of up to 100 mg of tryptamine to 10 g of rye grain. Minicultures continued to produce mushrooms for up to 20 weeks, and average minicultures produced a total of 2.7 g dry weight of mushrooms. Minicultures actually produced a higher yield of mushrooms per g of rye grain than did larger scale cultures.

DAVIS RE; MIDALIA ND; CURNOW D
Illegal drugs and nutrition in undergraduate students.
Med J Aust. 1978 Jun 3. 1(11). P 617-20.
The nutritional status of 82 marihuana-smoking students from two establishments of tertiary education was studied and compared with 63 controls. There was little difference between these two groups of students. Thirty-four per cent of those taking drugs had a diet which was deficient in one or more nutrients, compared with 30% of the controls. Four of the students who took drugs and three controls had a marginally reduced serum level of vitamin B12, but all were taking oral contraceptive agents. Sixteen marihuana-smokers had either a low folate or low pyridoxal serum level, and another three had reduced serum levels of both vitamins compared with a total of eleven among the controls. Forty-three students (52%) had used, or were using, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in addition to marihuana, and 10 had used mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis). Thirteen students appeared to be 'stoned' at interview.

DE ZUBIRIA A; HORNER WE; LEHRER SB
Evidence for cross-reactive allergens among basidiomycetes: immunoprint-inhibition studies.
J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1990 Jul; 86(1): 26-33
Allergenic cross-reactivity among six basidiomycete species (Calvatia cyathiformis, Coprinus quadrifidus, Psilocybe cubensis, Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma meredithae, and Pisolithus tinctorius) was determined by immunoprint inhibition. Extensive cross-reactivity was demonstrated among Coprinus quadrifidus, Psilocybe cubensis, and Pleurotus ostreatus of the order Agaricales, and Calvatia cyathiformis of the order Lycoperdales. However, G. meredithae (order Aphyllophorales) and Pisolithus tinctorius (order Sclerodermatales) did not demonstrate significant cross-reactivity with the other basidiomycete species. Generally, the two most potent inhibitors were Psilocybe cubensis and Pleurotus ostreatus. Inhibitory dose-response curves of a major allergenic band (isoelectric point, 9.3) were obtained by densitometry. Significant cross-reactivity was demonstrated for the 9.3 band among the species of the order Agaricales and with Calvatia cyathiformis. The most potent inhibitors were again Psilocybe cubensis and Pleurotus ostreatus. Thus, there is substantial allergenic cross-reactivity among the species of the order Agaricales tested and with Calvatia cyathiformis but not between these four species and G. meredithae or Pisolithus tinctorius. These studies support earlier RAST-inhibition observations of shared allergenic epitopes among basidiomycetes, especially epitopes within the Agaricales. The presence of shared epitopes suggests the possibility of devising a panel of skin test reagents representative of a large group of basidiomycetes.

GARTZ J
Biotransformation of tryptamine derivatives in mycelial cultures of Psilocybe.
J Basic Microbiol. 1989. 29(6). P 347-52.
Mycelial cultures of Psilocybe cubensis capable of forming psilocybin and psilocin de novo display a high capacity for hydroxylation of tryptamine derivatives at the 4-position. A specific biotransformation of added synthetic N,N-diethyl-tryptamine was found. Thus high amounts of 4-hydroxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine (up to 3.3%) and a minor quantity of 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine (0.01-0.8%) were isolated from fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis in corresponding experiments. This is the first example of a directed biosynthesis of tryptamine substances by fungi. An effective biotransformation of N-methyltryptamine was also demonstrated with surface cultures of Psilocybe semilanceata. Baeocystin, a possible natural precursor of psilocybin, was detected and quantified in the biomasses. No alkaloids could be found in the culture medium.

HEIM R, HOFMANN A
Isolement de las Psilocybine a partir du Stropharia cubensis Earle et d'autres especes de champignons hallucinogenes mexicains appertenant su genre Psilocybe. (Isolation of Psilocybin from Stropharia cubensis Earle and other species hallucinogenic fungus f
Compt.rend.Acad.sc., Paris 247:557, 1958
Psilocybin was first isolated from Psilocybe mexicana Heim. The same method of extraction has since been employed to isolate Psilocybin from the dried carpophores of the following fungi: Psilocybe caerulescens Murr. var Mazatecorum Heim, Psilocybe Zapotecorum Heim, Psilocybe Aztecorum Heim, Psilocybe semperviva Heim and Cailleux; Stropharia cubensis Earle, of Mexican, Siamese and Cambodian origin. Thus, Psilocybin has been found not only in all Mexican species of Psilocybe studied but also in Stropharia cubensis from Mexico and South-East Asia. The hallucinogenic effect of Stropharia cubensis has been previously reported.

NEAL JM; BENEDICT RG; BRADY LR
Interrelationship of Phosphate Nutrition, Nitrogen Metabolism, and Accumulation of Key Secondary Metabolites in Saprophytic Cultures of Psilocybe cubensis, and Panaeolus campanulatus.
J.Pharmaceut.Sci. 57:1661-1667 (1968)
Psilocybin Mushroom Cultivation.

OSS O T; OERIC O N; [MCKENNA, DENNIS & TERENCE]
Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide.
Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide; 1976 Berkeley: And/Or Press.
Procedure for growing Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms from spores using agar, rye grain, and sterile kitchen techniques. Discussion of history and lifecycle of mushrooms.

OSS O T; OERIC O N; [MCKENNA, TERENCE & DENNIS]
[mushrooms in India]
Psilocybin: Magic mushroom grower's guide
1984: Heterodox Bengali Hindus announce identification of the Vedic intoxicant Soma as a psilocybian mushroom, Stropharia cubensis. A reform of Hinduism centered around rediscovery of the 6000-year-old Soma rite is begun.

POLLOCK SH
Magic Mushroom Cultivation (1)
Magic Mushroom Cultivation. Herbal Medicine Research Foundation. ISBN 0-930074-01-7
THE RICE-CAKE TECHNIQUE: This technique is extremely easy and highly recommended for its convenience in growing Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. All that is needed is a pressure cooker, some canning jars, uncontaminated live mushroom starter (mycelia), and brown rice. Either long grain or short grain brown rice may be used. The former is usually more economical. Do not use white rice. It is inferior in quality to brown rice because most of the vitamins have been lost in converting brown to white rice. Into each quart jar place 1/4 cup brown rice and between 1/3 to 1/2 cup tap water. One-half cup or more of water is too much because the rice will turn into mush rather than a cake. One-third cup water leads to a dry cake that is adequate, but mycelia grow faster on the wetter cakes resulting from use of more than 1/3 cup of water. Up to 1/8 teaspoon of agricultural gypsum (calcium sulphate) may be added to each jar prior to sterilization to serve as a buffer, but gypsum is not really necessary. Some cubensis strains seem to prefer it, but so do many contaminants. It seems more practical not to bother using gypsum except for purposes of experimentation to find out if a particular strain will fruit more aggressively with it. In most cases it probably will not make any difference. Invert the dome of each two-piece lid and place it on the mouth of each canning jar with the rubber seal facing upward. Then loosely screw on the lid bands. Pressure cook the jars at 15 lbs. pressure for an hour. Actually 45 minutes at 15 lbs. pressure is adequate, but an hour gives even greater likelihood of complete sterilization. Allow the pressure cooker to cool and remove the jars, screwing the bands tighter until ready to inoculate the rice-cakes with mushroom mycelia. Using a flame-sterilized probe, carefully transfer a piece of agar medium containing live uncontaminated mycelia into each jar. It is best to loosen the jar lid beforehand so that it will lift off easily. To make the transfer, cut out a section of the agar medium containing mycelia using a flame-sterilized scalpel or probe. Then spear the agar block of mushroom starter with the probe, lift up the lid of the jar, and drop in the piece of mushroom starter. Close the lid but do not screw it too tight since it is necessary for growing mycelia to breathe. To enhance the rate of mycelial growth, very soon after the jar is inoculated the lid can be screwed tight and the jar shaken to bring the piece of mushroom starter into contact with more of the rice-cake surface. Then loosen the lid before setting the jar in place to incubate. In about four weeks mushrooms will start to grow. Sometimes they commence after only three weeks, but they may frequently take up to six weeks to appear. This depends a lot on the strain and room temperature.

POLLOCK SH
Magic Mushroom Cultivation (2)
Magic Mushroom Cultivation. Herbal Medicine Research Foundation. ISBN 0-930074-01-7
The mycelia can be grown in the dark but light is needed when it is time for the fungus to make mushrooms. As little as five minutes twice a day from an overhead incandescent light in a closet can be sufficient to initiate mushroom formation. But much better crops seem to come when fluorescent 'grow lights' are used for longer periods during the day. When mushrooms are growing, the lid of each jar should be very loose since much condensation occurs as the mushrooms breathe. Some growers remove the lids completely at this time or replace the domes with a double layer of paper towels. The towels can be secured in place with the lid bands and the jars may be set near a window for natural light. Paper towel tops should be sprayed with water at least once a day to help maintain a humid environment. As the rice-cake dries, fruition is promoted. But if the dome is left very loosely in place, fruiting continues much longer. Sometimes fruiting occurs for three months or more! Mushrooms will keep appearing after harvesting of previous crops. To harvest the magic mushrooms, a fancier can reach in through the mouth of the jar and pull them out. It is best to grasp each new mushroom near the bottom of the stem and give it a twist. If the mushroom cap is tugged, it might just break off from the stem. Alternatively, a long knife may be used to cut the mushrooms at the bottom of the stem. Still another method is to turn the jar facing down so that the cake will fall near the orifice. This makes it easier to grasp the mushrooms. Sometimes it is advantageous after a second or third harvest to flip the cake over in the jar before putting the lid back on. This maneuver often promotes a luxuriant fruiting from the newly exposed rice-cake surface. When the cakes have dried out too much for mushrooms to appear, they can be squirted with water from a spray bottle to induce another fruiting or better yet used as spawn for a mushroom garden on compost. If there is absolutely no sign of contamination, the cakes themselves may be fried or broken up and cooked in mushroom soup or other cuisine for a psychedelic experience. One cake is usually sufficient for two to four enthusiasts. The rice-cake technique is very efficient. A 14 ounce package of brown rice can be obtained often for less than fifty cents and is enough for seven quart jars. When the cakes have completely become covered by mycelia, small pieces can be cut out with a sterilized scalpel or probe and transferred to newly prepared rice-cakes in other jars. This will not interfere significantly with mushroom production and will insure a continuing supply of magic San Isidro mushrooms. San Isidro [Psilocybe cubensis] is the only species that has been observed so far to make mushrooms on rice-cakes. Rice-cake medium nevertheless can be used to grow mycelia or other Psilocybe species besides cubensis. Psilocybe cyanescens and subaeruginascens mycelia thrive on brown rice, whereas baeocystis, caerulescens, semilanceata, stuntzii, subaeruginosa, and zapotecorum mycelia spread more slowly on this medium. Brown rice also supports growth of Panaeolus mycelia. With further experimentation, especially with temperature regulation, modifications of the rice-cake technique may render it useful for obtaining fruit from various magic mushroom species.

Psilocybe Cubensis Compost Mushroomkit- 7 page Homestead Company instructions for growing sacred mushrooms. circa early 1990's. [box 5m]

REPKE DB; LESLIE DT; GUZMAN
Baeocystin in psilocybe, conocybe and panaeolus.
Lloydia. 1977 Nov-Dec. 40(6). P 566-78.
Sixty collections of ten species referred to three families of the Agaricales have been analyzed for the presence of baeocystin by thin-layer chromatography. Baeocystin was detected in collections of Psilocybe, Conocybe, and Panaeolus from the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, and Peru. Laboratory cultivated fruitbodies of Psilocybe cubensis, P.semilanceata, and P. cyanescens were also studied. Intra-species variation in the presence of decay rate of baeocystin, psilocybin and psilocin are discussed in terms of age and storage factors. In addition, evidence is presented to support the presence of 4-hydroxytryptamine in collections of P. baeocystis and P. cyanescens. The possible significance of baeocystin and 4-hydroxytryptamine in the biosynthesis of psilocybin in these organisms is discussed.

REPKE DB; LESLIE DT; MANDELL DM; KISH NG
GLC-mass spectral analysis of psilocin and psilocybin.
J Pharm Sci. 1977 May. 66(5). P 743-4.
With the combined technique of GLC-mass spectrometry, psilocin and psilocybin, two hallucinogenic indoles, were analyzed as their trimethylsilyl derivatives. The method was applied to these two components in an extract of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Sing.

STAMETS, PAUL; CHILTON, J S
Growing Parameters for Psilocybe cubensis (1)
The Mushroom Cultivator: A Practical Guide to Growing Mushrooms at Home; Agarikon Press, Olympia WA; Chapter IX, p 196-203
Growing Parameters for Psilocybe Cubensis
SPECIES: Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer
= Stropharia cubensis Earle
= Stropharia cyanescens Murr
= Stroparia caerulescens (Pat.) Sing
= Naematoloma caerulescens Pat
= Hypholoma caerulescens (Pat.) Sacc. & Trott
STRAINS: Strains of Psilocybe cubensis are available from private and commercial stocks. The American Type Culture Collection, which sells cultures to educational organizations and research facilities, has stock cultures of several wild strains. Note that the strains listed below are only some of those that are presently circulating. There are many more. Some strains may originate from the same region but have features not in agreement with those described here
Amazonian: Medium to large mushrooms on rye grain; thick whitish stems; tenaciously attached to the casing
Ecuadorian: Medium sized mushrooms on rye grain; hemispheric caps; abundant primordia former; high yielding on compost; thin whitish stems; easily picked
Matias Romero: Medium to large mushrooms on rye grain; early fruiter; thick whitish stems and tenaciously attached
Misantla: Medium sized mushrooms on rye grain; thin yellowish stems; tall standing and easily picked
Palenque: Large mushrooms on rye grain; high yielding; and easily picked
COMMON NAMES: San Isidro; Cubensis
GREEK ROOT: Psilocybe comes from the Greek root 'psilos' meaning bald head and cubensis, a name Earle assigned to this mushroom because it was first recognized as a new species from specimens collected in Cuba.

STAMETS, PAUL; CHILTON, J S
Growing Parameters for Psilocybe cubensis (2)
The Mushroom Cultivator: A Practical Guide to Growing Mushrooms at Home; Agarikon Press, Olympia WA; Chapter IX, p 196-203
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A medium to large size mushroom having a cap that becomes convex to plane in age and is usually pigmented chestnut brown to deep yellowish or golden brown. The cap surface is finely fibrillose, sometimes covered with scattered, fugacious, cottony scales that soon disappear. The partial veil is membranous, well developed and typically leaving a persistent annulus on the upper regions of the stem. The stem is often longitudinally striate, powdered above the annulus and often covered with dense fibrils below. Flesh bruising bluish or bluish green Its spores purplish brown in mass.
NATURAL HABITAT: Naturally found in horse or cow pastures, in dung or in soil enriched with manure. Psilocybe cubensis is a widely distributed species that is found throughout tropical and subtropical zones of the world and is common in the pasturelands of the gulf coast of the southern United States and eastern Mexico.

STAMETS, PAUL; CHILTON, J S
Growing Parameters for Psilocybe cubensis (4)
The Mushroom Cultivator: A Practical Guide to Growing Mushrooms at Home; Agarikon Press, Olympia WA; Chapter IX, p 196-203
Type of Casing: After fully run, cover with the standard casing whose preparation is described in Chapter VII. Layer to a depth of 1-2 inches The casing should be balanced to an initial pH of 6.8-7.2