The genus Psilocybe in Italy
Giuseppe Venturella, Manuela Rollini, Giulia Mirabile, Nicola Favia, Maria Letizia Gargano
Italian Botanist December 22, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3897/italianbotanist.20.181001 via OpenAlex
Summary
Nine taxa of the Psilocybe genus have been recorded in Italy, with a nomenclatural update confirming seven scientific binomials. Two additional species, P. medullosa and P. serbica, were recently identified in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Calabria. The study provides information on the taxonomy, habitat, ecology, and distribution of these taxa, along with molecular analysis. The authors advocate for legalizing psychedelic mushrooms for clinical use in Italy.
Study at a glance
| Population | nine taxa of the Psilocybe genus in Italy |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Nine taxa of the Psilocybe genus are recorded for Italy, with two newly identified species added to the list. |
Abstract
In the absence of specific studies on the Psilocybe genus in Italy, we provide information on the taxonomy, habitat, ecology, and distribution of the nine taxa currently recorded for Italy. A nomenclatural update of Psilocybe taxa reported in the Checklist of Italian Fungi (Basidiomycetes), published in 2005, is provided and seven scientific binomials are confirmed. In addition, P. medullosa and P. serbica , recently found in Trentino-Alto Adige/ Südtirol and Calabria respectively, are added to the list of taxa of the genus Psilocybe in Italy. Data on distribution and ecological categories of each taxon are also reported together with a molecular analysis. Considering how easily Psilocybe species can be found in Italy and their psilocybin and psilocin content, the authors hope that Italy will also legalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms in clinical therapies, as already permitted in many other countries.