Deep in the Australian wild , there lies a new species of charming mushroom — scientist just are n’t sure precisely where .
The mysterious mushroom was recently discovered byDr Alistair McTaggart , a fungous genetics researcher at the University of Queensland , while sift through soil samples taken from Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks in Australia ’s Northern Territory .
Analyzing the stain sample , he noticed DNA episode of aPsilocybefungus that had never been identify before . The previously unknown species belongs to the genusPsilocybeand take genes that strongly suggest it is one of the 200 - odd species of mushroom-shaped cloud known to of course produce psilocybin , a psychedelic compound .
However , only microbial traces of the mushroom were notice in the soil , so its show and accurate characteristics still remain a whodunit . Looking at its genic physical composition , Dr McTaggart believes Kakadu ’s lost conjuration mushroom cloud may resemblePsilocybe brunneocystidiata , a species of psychedelic mushroom cloud unwrap deep in rainforests in Papua New Guinea in the seventies .
The recent discovery come around through a labor to study the distribution of a widely love magic mushroom , Psilocybe cubensis , also make love as gold tops . Though this mushroom cloud now grows in the wild across Australia , the Americas , and Asia , no one is sure where the species originate
Gold tops tend to grow on cow poop , so are often found on cattle ranches . Interestingly , the global statistical distribution of the magic mushroomoverlaps with the rangeof a shuttle species closely linked to oxen , the Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis ) . Perhaps the far - reaching travels of this bird helped amber top side to colonize large parts of the reality .
Another part of McTaggart ’s oeuvre demand creating the first aliveness collection of Australia ’s native sorcerous mushroom cloud , a topic that remains remarkably little - known .
“ We are not certain of magic mushroom-shaped cloud biodiversity in Australia , ” Dr McTaggart said in astatement .
“ We do not even know how many species produce psilocybin . ”
close consider the genetic science of wizard mushroom could help scientists identify characteristics that might be useful for medical research into psychedelic treatments . An ever - expanding body of enquiry has lately shown that psychedelic mushroom cloud could be an effectivetreatmentfor a range of mental wellness conditions , from discussion - resistant imprint to PTSD .
So , when it comes to species of magic mushroom , each with their own qualities and inherited quirks , the more the jolly .
