Mushroom Named After Paul Stamets – Psilocybe Stametsii Facts

Video Transcript

Alright so if you’ve been living under a rock these past few months, in an underwater cave, on another planet in a far away galaxy you may have missed legendary mycologist Paul Stamets getting his very own mushroom named after him.  For those that don’t know Paul Stamets is a world renowned mycologist who’s studied and benefited from mushrooms for decades all while sharing his love and passion for fungus with literally anyone who will listen.  He definitely deserves recognition in this field that he’s inspired and taught so many in.  He’s written books, made videos, conducted studies and even appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast to speak to the power of both culinary and medicinal mushrooms and so it only makes sense that his name and legacy be immortalized with this one of a kind, natural phenomenon.

Before we get into the details about this mushroom, here’s what Mr. Stamets had to say about this monumental occasion.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition – and excited to go on a field expedition to see this species in its natural habitat,” said Stamets about the new mushroom. “To be recognized like this is the greatest honor that a mycologist can receive, and that two renowned mycologists co-authored this discovery deepens my appreciation. I also feel a keen responsibility to further protect the mycodiversity of fungi in all their wondrous forms. They are truly fantastic!”

This is Psilocybe stametsii, the mushroom dedicated to this living breathing legend right here. And in honor of his recognition here are some cool facts about this unique species.

1. Psilocybe Stametsii has a distinguishable sharp, pointy cap, is colored in shades of brown and blends in with its background of decaying leaves and soil like most other psilocybe mushrooms.
2. Psilocybe stametsii seems to be a solitary species, having only been seen twice, both times as a lone, inconspicuous mushroom about the size of a matchstick.
3. Psilocybe stametsii is genetically similar to a DNA sequence found in Chinese soil however recent sightings of this mushroom have been in the Los Cedros Biological Reserve in Ecuador.
4. It has not yet been confirmed whether Psilocybe Stametsii actually contains psilocybin or other hallucinogenic properties. Since only 2 have ever been seen a lot more research needs to be conducted.

Speaking of research… To give you a better understanding of Mr. Stamet’s efforts in this field it’s worth noting he once spent 2.5 years obtaining a DEA and Washington State license to do the analytical work necessary to explore and patent the medicinal properties of psilocybin.

Why you ask? The value of fungal medicine is huge. Penicillin, first derived from the Penicillium fungus, has saved an estimated 200 million lives since it was discovered.

Paul Stamets is adamant fungi have much more to offer and he’s probably right. One of his latest patents explores how unique psilocybin combinations can improve mental health and neurogenesis. Stay tuned to the mycological community to catch more updates on this one and thanks for watching!