Inocybe
Encyclopedia
Inocybe is a large, complex genus of mushrooms. Members of Inocybe are mycorrhizal, and some evidence shows that the high degree of speciation in the genus is due to adaptation to different trees and perhaps even local environments.
Typical mushrooms of the genus are any of various shades of brown, although some lilac or purplish species exist. Caps are small and conical, though flattening somewhat in age, generally with a pronounced raised central knob. The cap often appears fibrous or frayed, giving the genus its common name of "fiber caps". Many species have a distinctive odor, various described as musty or spermatic.
(later shown to be polyphyletic), phylogenetic analyses suggests that the genus is better placed as the type genus
of the family Inocybaceae
.
, and no easy method of distinguishing them from potentially edible species exists. In fact, Inocybe is the most commonly-encountered mushroom genus for which microscopic characteristics are the only means of certain identification to the species level. While the vast majority of Inocybes are toxic, seven rare species of Inocybe are hallucinogenic, having been found to contain psilocybin
including Inocybe aeruginascens
which also contains aeruginascine (N, N, N-trimethyl-4-phosphoryloxytryptamine).
Description
Classification
Originally placed in the family CortinariaceaeCortinariaceae
The Cortinariaceae are a large family of gilled mushrooms found worldwide, containing over 2100 species. The family takes its name from its largest genus, the varied species of the genus Cortinarius...
(later shown to be polyphyletic), phylogenetic analyses suggests that the genus is better placed as the type genus
Type genus
In biological classification, a type genus is a representative genus, as with regard to a biological family. The term and concept is used much more often and much more formally in zoology than it is in botany, and the definition is dependent on the nomenclatural Code that applies:* In zoological...
of the family Inocybaceae
Inocybaceae
The Inocybaceae are a family of fungi in the Agaricales order. According to a 2008 estimate, the family contains 13 genera and 821 species. Members of this family have a widespread distribution in tropical and temperate areas.-Taxonomy:...
.
Toxicity
Inocybe species are not considered suitable for consumption, although in some under developed countries certain species Inocybe mushrooms are eaten. Many species contain large doses of muscarineMuscarine
Muscarine, L--muscarine, or muscarin is a natural product found in certain mushrooms, particularly in Inocybe and Clitocybe species, such as the deadly C. dealbata. Mushrooms in the genera Entoloma and Mycena have also been found to contain levels of muscarine which can be dangerous if ingested...
, and no easy method of distinguishing them from potentially edible species exists. In fact, Inocybe is the most commonly-encountered mushroom genus for which microscopic characteristics are the only means of certain identification to the species level. While the vast majority of Inocybes are toxic, seven rare species of Inocybe are hallucinogenic, having been found to contain psilocybin
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic prodrug, with mind-altering effects similar to those of LSD and mescaline, after it is converted to psilocin. The effects can include altered thinking processes, perceptual distortions, an altered sense of time, and spiritual experiences, as well as...
including Inocybe aeruginascens
Inocybe aeruginascens
Inocybe aeruginascens is a member of the genus Inocybe which is widely distributed in Europe. The species was first documented by J. Ferencz in Osca, Hungary on June 15, 1965.-Description:...
which also contains aeruginascine (N, N, N-trimethyl-4-phosphoryloxytryptamine).
Species
There are hundreds of species of Inocybe. Representatives of the genus include:- Inocybe adaequata
- Inocybe aeruginascensInocybe aeruginascensInocybe aeruginascens is a member of the genus Inocybe which is widely distributed in Europe. The species was first documented by J. Ferencz in Osca, Hungary on June 15, 1965.-Description:...
(psychoactive) - Inocybe calamistrata (toxic)
- Inocybe coelestiumInocybe coelestiumInocybe aeruginascens is a member of the genus Inocybe which is widely distributed in Europe.-Biochemistry:Inocybe coelestium contains the compounds psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin....
(psychoactive) - Inocybe corydalina var. corydalinaInocybe corydalina var. corydalinaInocybe corydalina var. corydalina, commonly known as the Greenflush Fibrecap, is a member of the genus Inocybe which is widely distributed in temperate forests...
Quél. (psychoactive) - Inocybe corydalina var. erinaceomorpha (psychoactive)
- Inocybe erubescens (= I. patouillardii) red-staining inocybe
- Inocybe geophyllaInocybe geophyllaInocybe geophylla, commonly known as the Earthy Inocybe, Common White Inocybe or White Fibrecap, is a poisonous mushroom of the genus Inocybe. It is widespread and common in Europe and North America, appearing under both conifer and deciduous trees in summer and autumn...
(toxic) - Inocybe haemactaInocybe haemactaInocybe haemacta is a species of fungus in the genus Inocybe. It is found in Europe.-Biochemistry:Inocybe haemacta contains the compounds psilocybin, psilocin and baeocystin.-See also:*List of Inocybe species...
(psychoactive) - Inocybe hystrixInocybe hystrixInocybe hystrix is an agaric which forms mycorrhiza with surrounding deciduous trees. It is usually found growing alone or in small groups on leaf litter during autumn months. Unlike many Inocybe species, Inocybe hystrix is densely covered in brown scales, a characteristic that aids in identification...
- Inocybe laceraInocybe laceraInocybe lacera is a poisonous species of mushroom in the genus Inocybe. Its appearance is that of a typical "little brown mushroom"; small, brown and indistinct. However, it is distinguishable by its microscopic features, particularly its long, smooth spores...
- Inocybe obscura
- Inocybe rimosa (= I. fastigiata)
- Inocybe sororia
- Inocybe tricolorInocybe tricolorInocybe tricolor is a rare member of the genus Inocybe which is widely distributed in temperate forests. It is a small mycorrhizal mushroom which contains the hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin...
(psychoactive) - Inocybe violaceocaulis. (prev. I. geophylla var. lilacina) In Western Australia, what represents I. violaceocaulis was earlier referred to as I. geophylla var. lilacina by some Australian taxonomists, which Matheny & Bougher (2005) point to as a misapplication of the name I. geophylla var. lilacina.