In a recent publication, a team of researchers and amateur mycologists have identified two new psilocybe mushroom species known as Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti. The research also highlights the traditional utilization of P. maluti by Basotho traditional healers from the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. This is believed to be the only documented instance of hallucinogenic mushrooms being historically employed in Africa.
Two fresh varieties of mind-altering mushrooms within the genus Psilocybe have been recognized in southern Africa, adding to the total of six known native species in Africa.
Despite the widespread recognition and study of psychoactive mushrooms worldwide, with approximately 140 identified species, Psilocybe species are prominently acknowledged. A report disclosed in the academic journal Mycologia details the discovery of the two new species, Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti, by researchers from Stellenbosch University (SU) and amateur mycologists.
The first sighting of Psilocybe ingeli occurred in 2023 in KwaZulu-Natal’s pastureland by Talan Moult, an autodidact mycologist. On the other hand, Psilocybe maluti was initially spotted on a smallholding in the Free State in 2021 by Daniella Mulder, who sought identification assistance from Andrew Killian, a prominent citizen mycologist in Somerset West.
In both cases, the distinctive samples were forwarded to Breyten van der Merwe for DNA examination in Prof. Karin Jacobs’ microbiology laboratory at SU. Van der Merwe, now a chemical engineering graduate student at SU and a qualified mycologist, served as the primary author of the research.
Furthermore, the publication includes insights into the customary use of P. maluti by Basotho traditional healers from Lesotho’s mountainous territory. As reported by researchers, this account represents the sole firsthand testimony of hallucinogenic mushroom usage in African traditional practices.
Citizen mycologist and co-author Cullen Taylor Clark collaborated with Mamosebetsi Sethathi, a Mosotho traditional healer, to document the application of P. maluti (referred to locally as koae-ea-lekhoaba) in age-old healing rituals. This initiative, steered by Clark, aims to compile information on mushroom usage among indigenous populations in southern Africa.
Van der Merwe suggests that there are likely more psilocybe mushroom species in the southern African region and emphasizes the necessity of engaging more citizen scientists: “These two species were submitted by citizen scientists. A single researcher would not be able to explore even a fraction of the areas accessible to these amateur mycologists. This collaborative approach is crucial for advancing research in African mycology.”
Prof. Jacobs echoes these sentiments, underscoring the scarcity of mycologists in Africa documenting local biodiversity. Given the extensive mycological variety across the continent, this task is formidable. Cooperation with citizen mycologists yields numerous benefits, including increased research materials and opportunities for discussions and exploration, ultimately fostering the documentation of mycophilia (the passion for mushrooms) across Africa.
