Psilocybe ochraceocentrata (formerly Psilocybe natalensis)

This is a 10ML Syringe.

Potency Scale: HIGH

SCALE:

MILD (0.1%-1.1%)

HIGH (1.2%-2%)

EXTREME (2.1%-3%)

Psilocybe ochraceocentrata (formerly Psilocybe natalensis)

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

•  Originally described in 1995 by Gartz, Reid, Smith, and Eicker, Psilocybe natalensis was named after the Natal region of South Africa.
• As of December 2024, taxonomists have reassigned this species under a new name: Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, abbreviated as P. ochraceocentrata.
• The new name reflects its distinctive ochre-colored center on the cap, a defining physical characteristic.
• Importantly, some expert commentary notes that P. natalensis and P. ochraceocentrata may not be identical and could be genetically distinct, although the prevailing consensus is that they are the same species under a revised name.

Geographic Distribution & Habitat

•  Native to South Africa, particularly the Natal area, this mushroom occurs in both grassland and woodland ecological zones.
• While originally associated with grasslands, P. ochraceocentrata has also been found in miombo woodlands and mixed deciduous forests, often fruiting directly on decomposed herbivore dung.

Morphology & Physical Characteristics

• Cap: Medium-sized (about 2–4 cm), transitioning from convex or bell-shaped to broadly convex with maturity. Distinguished by a caramel‑brown to ochre-toned center, the cap is also hygrophanous, meaning it changes color as it dries.
• Stems: Moderately robust, ranging from white to pale cream, showing blue bruising when handled—a hallmark of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
• Gills: Initially pale, these darken rapidly to purplish-brown or nearly black as spores mature; they attach in an adnate fashion to the stem.
• Spores: Smooth, elliptical spores that produce a dark purplish-brown spore print. Typical basidia are four-spored (tetrasporic).

Cultivation & Growth Traits

•  Known for vigorous mycelial colonization, this species displays aggressive, thick, cottony mycelium that rapidly dominates substrates and resists contamination.
• Fruiting is consistent and robust, with multiple high-yield flushes possible under moderate subtropical conditions (74–80 °F, 85–95% relative humidity).
• Requires relatively high fresh-air exchange during colonization, differentiating it slightly from P. cubensis.

Potency & Bioactivity

•  Anecdotal reports suggest that P. ochraceocentrata may be slightly more potent than Psilocybe cubensis, known for its euphoric and uplifting psychoactive effects.
• Some studies and user-based observations propose anti-inflammatory properties—a characteristic also noted in earlier studies of P. natalensis extracts.

Summary

 Psilocybe ochraceocentrata (previously P. natalensis) is a distinct, fast‑growing psilocybin-containing mushroom with strong potential for both cultivation and study. Native to South Africa, it thrives in unique ecological niches and produces medium-sized, ochre-centered caps and stout, bruise-prone stems. Renowned for its aggressive mycelial growth, reliable fruiting, and potential anti-inflammatory bioactivity, it offers a compelling option for both mycologists and cultivators interested in robust psychedelic species.