In the world of psychoactive mushrooms, the genus Psilocybe stands out for its storied history and widespread intrigue. Home to around 140 species, these fungi are famed for their dark purple/brown spores and blue/green bruising, a sign of psilocybin degradation. While much of the spotlight has shone on species from North America and Europe, recent discoveries in Africa suggest a rich, untapped mycological diversity, starting with research discovering two new Psilocybe species (Hymenogastraceae), P. ingeli and P. maluti, described from southern Africa.
In early 2023, a small blue-bruising mushroom with a hemispheric cap was found near Harding, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, growing on manure-enriched grassland. DNA sequencing revealed it belonged to the Psilocybe genus but didn’t match any known species. Dubbed Psilocybe ingeli, this discovery adds a new dimension to the understanding of African fungi.
Another significant find occurred in 2021 in the Free State Province, where a unique Psilocybe mushroom with a secotioid cap (remaining enclosed even when mature) was discovered. This species, later named Psilocybe maluti, was also found in Lesotho, where it is used by traditional healers for spiritual practices. The traditional Basotho healers, known as lingaka and ngaka-chitja, use this mushroom, referred to as koae-ea-lekhoaba, to induce trance-like states in patients.
(A–E) Psilocybe maluti, Kingdom of Lesotho, 31 December 2021. (A) Fimicolous habitat. (A–E) Secotioid pileus. (B) Details of the stipe and veil. Photos by C. Clark.
The traditional use of psychoactive mushrooms in Africa is sparsely documented. However, ancient murals in Tassili, Sahara Desert, possibly depict Psilocybe mairei, suggesting a historical reverence for these fungi. Additionally, some speculate that ancient Egyptians cultivated and consumed P. cubensis.
The discovery of P. ingeli and P. maluti not only enriches the taxonomy of Psilocybe but also highlights the cultural significance of these mushrooms. The Basotho people use P. maluti in a brew combined with Boophone disticha, a potent hallucinogenic plant. This mixture, seipone sa koae-ea-lekhoaba, is consumed by patients who then describe their hallucinations to healers for spiritual interpretation.
These findings underscore the importance of further mycological studies in Africa. The continent's fungal diversity remains largely unexplored, presenting a promising frontier for both scientific discovery and cultural understanding.
Additionally, the role of animals in the spore dispersal of these mushrooms is an area ripe for research. While mammals are typically known as vectors for secotioid and truffle fungi, there is growing evidence that birds, such as the pied crow, might also play a role. This interaction has influenced the indigenous name for P. maluti, highlighting the interconnectedness of local fauna and fungi.
(A–C) Psilocybe ingeli, Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, South Africa, 28 February 2023. (A) Stipe white with mycelium. (B) Striations running up the hemispheric pileus. (C) Pale lamellae margin. Photos by T. Moult.
The identification of Psilocybe ingeli and P. maluti represents a significant step in documenting Africa’s unique mycological landscape. These discoveries not only pave the way for future research but also offer a deeper appreciation of the traditional knowledge and cultural practices surrounding these enigmatic fungi.