A newly discovered 'magic mushroom' species, Psilocybe ochraceocentra, has rewritten the story of how this psychedelic evolved. This finding challenges the long-standing idea that the species spread globally only after cattle were moved across continents. The discovery pushes the shared ancestry of Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe ochraceocentra back about 1.5 million years, suggesting American origins rather than European. This finding highlights the importance of accurate species names in scientific research, as mislabeled strains can muddy product claims, regulation, and follow-up science. The study also emphasizes the need for better fungal surveying in Africa, where fungal biodiversity remains largely unexplored. The research is published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
