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Scientists Discovered a Mushroom That's Both Toxic and Trippy

Gizmodo • November 11, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Researchers at the University of Florida discovered a mushroom species, Galerina indica, that uniquely produces both deadly amatoxins and the psychedelic compound psilocybin, blending toxicity and hallucinogenic properties.
The discovery emerged while studying little brown mushrooms in the southeastern U.S., with G. indica showing blue bruising indicative of psilocybin presence alongside lethal amatoxins.
Genetic analysis suggests G. indica acquired psilocybin-producing genes through horizontal gene transfer from an unrelated fungus millions of years ago, rather than evolving the trait independently.
The dual production of amatoxins and psilocybin may serve as a novel defense mechanism against predators, though the ecological role of these compounds in fungi remains not fully understood.
Scientists caution against consuming this mushroom due to its deadly toxins, and further research is encouraged to explore similar species and the evolutionary implications of these findings.

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