Found throughout much of the subtropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America, this noble species was named for the Zapotecs -- genius architects, astronomers, and best known for constructing the pyramids at Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico. The interpretation of the Zapotec name for this species is "Crown of Thorns Mushroom."
Above: The ruins of Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico, August 1996.
Photo courtesy The Stain Blue Museum Collection.
"Rediscovered" and named by French mycologist Roger Heim, this mushroom is one of the shaman's favorites, typically yielding up to ca. .85% psilocybin and up to ca. .25% psilocin. Its preferred habitat is muddy soils and marshy areas; also rich, dark soils of deciduous forests where it can be found fruiting throughout summer in clusters or groups.
Above: Zapotec mask acquired at Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Below: Zapotec black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico.
Courtesy The Stain Blue Museum Collection.
Above: Downtown Oaxaca, August 1996. This enchanting city is home to many modern Zapotecs.
Photo courtesy The Stain Blue Museum Collection.
Above: Hand-carved copal figurines acquired in Arrazola, Oaxaca.
These were created by Zapotec artist Fernando Espinal.
Courtesy The Stain Blue Museum Collection.
Above: Zapotec shirt acquired in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca.
Courtesy The Stain Blue Museum Collection.
Required Reading
Guzman, G. The Genus Psilocybe: A Systematic Revision of the Known Species Including the History, Distribution and Chemistry of the Hallucinogenic Species. Beihefte zur Nova Hedwigia Heft 74. J. Cramer, Vaduz, Germany (1983).
Heim, R. and A. Hofmann. "La psilocybine et la psilocine chez les Psilocybes et Strophaires hallucinogenes." In: Heim, R. and R.G. Wasson. Les Champignons Hallucinogenes du Mexique. Etudes Ethnologiques, Taxinomiques, Biologiques, Physiologiques et Chemiques. Archives du Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Series 7, Vol. VI. Paris, France (1958).
Heim, R. and R. Cailleux. "Nouvelle contribution a la connaissance des Psilocybes hallucinogenes du Mexique." Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires des Seances de l'Academie des Sciences 249: 1842-1845 (1959).
Schultes, R. and A. Hofmann. The Botany and Chemistry of Hallucinogens. Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, IL (1973).
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Above: Zapotec mask acquired at Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Above: Downtown Oaxaca, August 1996. This enchanting city is home to many modern Zapotecs.
Above: Hand-carved copal figurines acquired in Arrazola, Oaxaca.
Above: Zapotec shirt acquired in San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca.