Florida researchers discover new ‘dark magic mushroom’ with mixed compounds

Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have identified a new type of mushroom in Florida that contains both psychedelic and poisonous compounds, WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported.

The mushroom, found in the genus Galerina, was discovered by an undergraduate student while documenting fungi at a UF/IFAS lab. It is unique because it contains psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, and amatoxins, which are deadly toxins responsible for fatal poisonings.

The mushroom, nicknamed the “dark magic mushroom,” stains blue when handled—a characteristic of some magic mushrooms—while also containing the lethal amatoxins found in some deadly mushrooms. This combination had not been documented before in Florida.

UF/IFAS officials said the discovery may help scientists understand why mushrooms produce these compounds and what ecological advantages they might provide. The exact reasons for production of psilocybin and amatoxins remain unclear, making this finding significant for future research.

The discovery highlights ongoing research in Florida on fungi and their complex chemical properties, with potential implications for ecology and toxicology studies.