Updated data on Psilocybe (Hymenogastraceae, Agaricales) from the southern Brazil region and a newly proposed species
Paula Santos da Silva, Virginia Ramírez-Cruz, Alexander J. Bradshaw, Bryn T. M. Dentinger, Laura Guzmán-Dávalos, Alma Rosa Villalobos-Arámbula, Rosa Mara Borges da Silveira
Phytotaxa February 16, 2026 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.741.3.1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Taxonomic and phylogenetic study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 62 |
| Population | Specimens representing 10 species of Psilocybe from southern Brazil |
| Keywords | Phylogenetic tree Genus Range aeronautics Phylogenetics Phylogenetic relationship Taxonomy biology Evolutionary biology Zoology Relevance law |
| Key points | A new species, Psilocybe araucariicola, is described from southern Brazil, and new records of P. subaeruginascens and P. yungensis are reported, extending their known ranges. |
Abstract
Psilocybe is a well-known genus of fungi, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms”, due to its production of psychoactive compounds. Research interest in this genus has experienced a resurgence due to its relevance as a potential therapy for a growing global mental health crisis. In this study, 62 specimens representing 10 species of Psilocybe from southern Brazil were examined using morphological data and rDNA ITS sequences in some of them. Here, we report new records of P. subaeruginascens and P. yungensis, providing new information about the occurrence and range of these species. In addition, a novel species from southern Brazil, Psilocybe araucariicola, is characterized and introduced using morphological characteristics and DNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses using rDNA ITS, rpb2, and tef1 sequences were performed to determine the relationship of P. araucariicola to other species within Psilocybe. Morphological description, illustrations, photographs, and phylogenetic analysis results of P. araucariicola are provided.