A new psychedelic mushroom species, Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, has been identified in southern Africa, prompting a reevaluation of the evolutionary history and origins of Psilocybe cubensis.

The discovery expands the Psilocybe genus and suggests African roots or deep evolutionary ties for P. cubensis, complicating the traditional domestication narrative.

The study, published in Proceedings B of the Royal Society, combines multi-locus phylogenetics, molecular dating, and ecological niche modeling to map the relationship between P. ochraceocentrata and P. cubensis.

Key researchers contributing to the work include Breyten van der Merwe, Dr Alexander Bradshaw, Prof Bryn Dentinger, Dr Keaton Tremble, and Dr Cathy Sharp.

Ancillary findings show P. ochraceocentrata has circulated in cultivation under strain names like NSS (Natal Super Strength) and Transkei, highlighting practical relevance for cultivation and research.

Ecological and biogeographical scenarios, including grassland diversification and herbivore migrations, are considered as possible drivers of divergence between the two species.

The authors caution that more data are needed, but the work highlights ongoing gaps in understanding fungi, their evolution, and their relationship to human cultivation.

The study challenges the long-held belief that cattle introduced P. cubensis to the Americas in the 16th century, proposing a more complex dispersal history.

Despite similarities, P. ochraceocentrata and P. cubensis are distinct lineages with differences in genetics, ecology, and chemical traits.

Analysis indicates the two species share a common ancestor about 1.5 million years ago, pushing back the timeline well before human-mediated cattle movements.

Morphology of P. ochraceocentrata features an ochre-yellow cap center, which informs its species epithet.

Africa’s under-sampled fungal diversity is highlighted, with scenarios suggesting African-origin lineages could have influenced distribution through herbivore migrations.