Psilocybe samuiensis

What You Should Know

Psilocybe samuiensis is a popular variant of Psilocybe cubensis that is strictly found on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand, where it received its’ namesake, as well as at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The rarity or restricted range of this mushroom makes it quite the special treat in the Western world. Often confused for more genetic P. cubensis strains, P. samuiensis is considerably stronger and more effective, with many ranking it as a moderate to high potency. Despite their small stature, Thai mushrooms are known to exhibit full-on effects including “intensely visual experiences” according to famed mycologist Jochen Gartz because of the higher concentrations of psychedelic or hallucinogenic material that can be found growing on this powerful strain. The combination of psilocybin, as well as high levels of psilocin along with smaller amounts of baeocystin, can be attributed to the high associated with this Thai delicacy.

Analysed by HPLC and TLC, psilocybin and psilocin in the fruit bodies ranged from 0.023–0.90% (dry weight) and 0.05–0.81%, respectively. Baeocystin was also detected at a concentration of 0.01–0.05%.

Other names: Koh Samui or Thai (Thailand).

Psilocybe samuiensis Mushroom Identification

1. Cap

   7 to 1.5 cm. Convex to conic-convex to campanulate, often umbonate with a small papilla. Translucent when moist, striate margin in young, and with a separate pellicle. Hygrophanous and fading to straw-yellow in drying

2. Gills

   Adnate and clay-colored, then violaceous brown to chocolate-violet with whitish margins. Stem: 40 to 60 mm. long by 1-2 mm thick. Whitish to yellowish and covered with fibrils. Enlarged at the base. Partial veil cortinate leaving a superior fibrillous annular zone that soon disappears.

3. Spores

   9.3-13 x 5-7m. Basidia 4-spored. Pleurocystidia scattered and ventricose towards the base.

4. Spore Print

   Chocolate to Purple-brown.

5. Habitat

   Grows in well manured clay-like soils in rice paddies and open grassy areas. Distribution: Koh Samui Island in the gulf of Thailand and surrounding areas.

6. Season

   Late may through September and possibly into October.

Psilocybe samuiensis Effects

Said to be crucial to creative thinking, to boost mood, focus and energy. Potentially through targeting serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors and promoting cognitive flexibility, it boosts creativity and problem-solving performance. It has been associated with anti-depressive, anti-anxiety and anti-stress benefits.

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Photo 1 - Author: feralberyl (Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International)

Photo 2 - Author: feralberyl (Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International)

Photo 3 - Author: feralberyl (Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International)