Psilocybe maluti is a newly described species of fungus from the family Hymenogastraceae, discovered in 2021 in the Free State region of South Africa. Species name maluti comes from the Maluti Mountains, where this mushroom was found.
Discovery and identification
In 2021, Daniella Mulder, a self-taught mycologist, came across this fungus growing on cattle manure in the Free State province. Photos and samples were given to Breyten van der Merwe of Stellenbosch University for analysis. DNA sequencing and morphological studies confirmed that it was a new species.
Morphological features
Psilocybe maluti belongs to the section Cubensae The genus Psilocybe, like Psilocybe cubensis. It is characterized by the following features:
- Hat: Golden brown, with a tendency to turn blue when damaged.
- Core: Sleek, central, with a white moving ring.
- Tinsel: Dense, whitish, darkening with age.
- Spores: Ellipsoidal to almond-shaped, measuring 7-8 × 5-6 µm.
Cultural significance
Psilocybe maluti is the first scientifically documented hallucinogenic mushroom used traditionally in Africa. The traditional Basotho healers of Lesotho, known as the koae-ea-lekhoaba, use it in medicinal practices. This discovery provides unique information about the traditional use of psychoactive mushrooms on the African continent.
Occurrence
The fungus grows on cattle manure in mountainous regions such as the Maluti Mountains. Its discovery brings the number of known native Psilocybe species in Africa to six, underscoring the need for further research into fungal diversity on the continent.
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