The hallucinogenic compounds psilocybin and psilocin were identified in the mushroom species Pluteus salicinus, marking the first report of these alkaloids in the genus Pluteus. Chemical analysis of specimens collected in the field confirmed the presence of both substances, expanding the known distribution of psilocybin-containing fungi beyond the previously recognized genera Psilocybe and related groups. The finding adds a new species to the list of naturally occurring sources of these psychoactive compounds, which are of interest in pharmacology and zoology for their effects on biological systems.
The genus Lanmaoa, a group of mushroom-forming fungi in the family Boletaceae, includes both edible and psychoactive species. By combining comprehensive sampling of all Lanmaoa species—including 21 type specimens—with whole genome sequencing of 53 specimens, a phylogeny based on 1515 single-copy orthologs resolves evolutionary relationships with full statistical support at all major nodes. Phylogenomic analysis supports six novel combinations and the discovery of four novel species, two described here: Lanmaoa fallax and Lanmaoa carbonilivor, bringing the genus to 17 species. Genome mining of Lanmaoa asiatica fails to detect canonical biosynthetic genes for psilocybin or ibotenic acid, suggesting a novel psychoactive compound.
A new species of fungus, Panaeolus oligotrophus, was discovered in central Florida. It looks similar to Panaeolus cinctulus but grows in nutrient-poor sandy soil, a rare habitat for this genus. Its physical features and DNA were analyzed and compared with other Panaeolus species. The study also found that the type specimen of Panaeolus pumilus is actually the same species as P. cinctulus. Additionally, another species, Crucispora rhombisperma, was reclassified into the genus Panaeolus and renamed Panaeolus rhombispermus because of its unusual spore shape. The potential for psilocybin production in the new species was checked by sequencing its genome.