Florida's 'dark magic' mushrooms have a deadly combination of chemicals never seen before
Scientists have discovered that a known mushroom, Galerina indica , contains both psychedelic chemicals and deadly toxins.
A rare, tiny brown mushroom discovered in Florida swamps is the first known fungus to contain both psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in psychedelic mushrooms, and amatoxin, found in the most deadly mushrooms on Earth. This "dark magic mushroom" species, Galerina indica, was characterized in a study published in Current Biology on November 11.
No other species of mushroom is known to produce both compounds simultaneously, making the discovery remarkable. The researchers believe the unique combination may serve as a potent defense mechanism against being eaten by animals.
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