The genus Psilocybe in Italy

Nine taxa of the Psilocybe genus are currently recorded for Italy, with seven scientific binomials confirmed from a 2005 checklist and two species—P. medullosa and P. serbica—newly added from recent finds in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Calabria. The paper provides taxonomic, habitat, ecological, and distribution data for each taxon, along with a molecular analysis. Given the ease of finding Psilocybe species in Italy and their psilocybin and psilocin content, the authors advocate for legalizing psychedelic mushroom use in clinical therapies, as many other countries have already done.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In the absence of specific studies on the Psilocybe genus in Italy, we provide information on the taxonomy, habitat, ecology, and distribution of the nine taxa currently recorded for Italy. A nomenclatural update of Psilocybe taxa reported in the Checklist of Italian Fungi (Basidiomycetes), published in 2005, is provided and seven scientific binomials are confirmed. In addition, P. medullosa and P. serbica , recently found in Trentino-Alto Adige/ Südtirol and Calabria respectively, are added to the list of taxa of the genus Psilocybe in Italy. Data on distribution and ecological categories of each taxon are also reported together with a molecular analysis. Considering how easily Psilocybe species can be found in Italy and their psilocybin and psilocin content, the authors hope that Italy will also legalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms in clinical therapies, as already permitted in many other countries.