Psilocybin mushrooms, although currently banned in most civilized countries, have a rich tradition of many peoples. They were typically used (and still are) by representatives of so-called primitive cultures, but today their therapeutic potential is increasingly being discussed. Psychotherapists aware of this issue sometimes participate in what we might call the gray zone of therapy, offering support in the use of preparations obtained from these organisms. Mushrooms originating from Africa play a significant role in this. This includes not only the most popular Psilocybe natalensis, but other species as well. Get to know them now!
Psilocybes in African Tradition: From Rituals to Modern Discoveries
The oldest traces of the role of psilocybin mushrooms in human life are found in Africa, in the caves of the Tasili Van Ahjar massif, mountains located in southeastern Algeria. Visitors can admire paintings depicting people with mushrooms painted on their bodies, resembling bald eagles. Mycologists believe these represent a specific species – more on this below.
To this day, the original communities, found among others, in in eastern Tanzania, they create paintings and sculptures with mushroom-shaped heads. This art form is meant to be an impression of the trance experienced after consuming hallucinogenic fruiting bodies.
This description vividly resembles paintings known from around the world. Both in Mesoamerica and the Far East, psilocybin mushrooms were said to connect with ancestral spirits and gods, and create a sense of unity with other members of the tribe. Currently, however, the therapeutic potential of preparations obtained from these species of the fungi kingdom is much more important.
Numerous studies conducted by scientists around the world demonstrate that psilocybin contained in specific mushrooms can, among other things:
- help in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression,
- reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder,
- support people experiencing the effects of trauma (including PTSD),
- be an ally in the fight against addictions, including alcoholism and drug addiction.
The most popular species of African mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe
Let’s move on to the most interesting part, though: the presentation of individual species of psilocybin mushrooms found in Africa. Among them, you can find truly intriguing representatives of this kingdom.
Psilocybe natalensis
Probably the most frequently mentioned mushroom in this context. Known among mycologists for, among other things, its high alkaloid content. This species originates from the southern tip of Africa. It appreciates warm and humid conditions, while also demonstrating a high resistance to negative factors.
Genetically, it is closely related to Psilocybe cubensis. However, Psilocybe natalensis clearly differs from its cousin in appearance. The fruiting bodies are usually slightly smaller, and the caps are narrower. However, they have quite thick (for this genus) stems. In color, they differ little from their relatives – the caramel or brownish hue of the cap darkens with moisture. When crushed, they take on a bluish hue. Although the “fruits” themselves don’t grow very large, the mycelium loves to grow massively and isn’t picky about substrate.
Psilocybe ingeli
In 2023, Psilocybe ingeli was discovered in the KwaZulu-Natal region, the very same region where natalensis originates. Its discoverer is Talan Moult, an amateur mycologist. He found it in the Ingeli Mountains region (hence the name). It grows on thin stems, reaching a height of about 5-10 cm. The umbrella-shaped caps range in color from olive to light brown. The stems are similar in color, darkening slightly at the base and creamy where they are closest to the ground. The gills are gray to blue (especially when damaged).
Psilocybe maluti
In the same region, but at a different site, the psilocybin mushroom Psilocybe maluti was discovered in 2021. The first documented photos of this species are thanks to Daniella Mulder, who found it in the Maluti Mountains. What sets it apart from others is its completely unique appearance. They are quite small, with relatively thick (relative to the cap) cream-colored stems. The caps are also club-shaped and light caramel, orange, or ochre. Interestingly, it is known that before their official discovery by the scientific community, they were used in traditional medicine by shamans from the kingdom of Lesotho. There, they are called koae-ea-lekhoaba.
Psilocybe transkei
The presented species is, de facto, a variety of the Cuban Psilocybe. Psilocybe transkei, like many other mushrooms, takes its name from the region where it was discovered – the Transkei, located off the coast of South Africa. Like most members of its genus, it prefers grassland areas.
The fruiting bodies grow on a thick stem. The caps are relatively small and, over time, develop from “balls” into flat “plates.” They are initially light brown, but become paler with age. They take a while to mature, and the veil lasts a long time on both the stem and the cap.
Psilocybe mairei
So, probably the oldest mushroom depicted! As mentioned above, Psilocybe mairei was most likely found in rock carvings in southeastern Algeria. It occurs naturally only in North Africa. What are its characteristics?
They have quite small caps, with a maximum diameter of 3.5 cm. They are bell-shaped or conical and orange-brown in color, olive-green when wet. Like most members of the Psilocybe genus, they turn blue when damaged. The stems are also quite small – approximately 7.5 cm long and 5 mm thick, widening towards the base. They are cream to yellowish in color, and their structure is quite fibrous.
Psilocybe Mushrooms – a Rich Tradition of (Not Only) African Peoples
Above, I presented the most popular African mushrooms. Their discovery was sometimes accidental, and sometimes a deliberate search, based, among other things, on historical sources. It was certainly made possible by the dedication of amateur mycologists who wanted to popularize knowledge about these organisms. Their mycelium, however, remains a rarity… But who knows what the future holds?