Penis Envy

The Penis Envy mushroom strain is one that is wrapped in intrigue. This is odd, considering the name of the strain comes from something not very intriguing at all. It is a highly sought-after mushroom — not only for the fact it looks unique and interesting — but it is also one of the strongest forms of the Psilocybe cubensis species.

– Mysterious Roots

Well it’s roots are murky, at best. Mycologist John Allen speculates that the predecessors to the Penis Envy arrived by way of Terence and Dennis McKenna. This was sometime in the early 70’s during a foray into the Amazon. The story goes that while looking for the aforementioned shaman, they stumbled upon the (relatively) enormous phallic mushroom growing out of some Zebu cow dung. Regardless of their reaction, impressed and probably quite amused by the shape of it, they were sure to harvest some of the spores to take home with them back to the States.

Dennis and Terence McKenna (via Wikipedia Commons)
Phallic Craziness

To the next piece of conjecture we have advocates that famed mycologist Steven Pollock received the spore sample marked “Amazonian” from one Terence McKenna. He then called the spores “Amazonian” and without little thought, sprinkled it upon some manure, (as mycologists do, I guess!) and stored it away. Even Pollock, who had dealt with fungi at all levels (and was previously the first person to identify Psilocybe tampanensis) and noted he was still shocked at the enormous mushroom growing in the jar. Lets continue!

Key Features: Identifying this specifc mushroom.

In order to identify a Psilocybecubensisknown as Penis Envy, consult the following:
Cap: Dome shape. Unlike a “normal” P. cubensis, it maintains a shape that does not continue to open as it grows. It was bred for maximal penis shape. The colour ranges from light golden to cinnamon brown.
Gills: Again, similar to a “normal” cubensis, but due to the deformed mini cap and engorged stipe they are often found closeely packed. When/if they produce spores, the gills will turn a darker colour.
Spores: Most Penis Envy mushrooms are sterile, which is ironic given its name. Given that spores are rarely produced, you may collect the spores by scraping a q-tip along the gills inside the cap, if you are lucky.
Stem: (or stipe) The stem is very fat. Compared to a normal cubensis, the stem and/or stipe is more fleshy and colour may vary from white to cream. Some stems have been noted to grow as long as 12 inches.
Taste and Smell: The taste and smell of Penis Envy mushrooms is reported to be similar to Psilocybe cubensis, which is semi starchy, or farinaceous (starchy like freshly ground flour).
Can I eat it?: It is edible, and hallucinogenic. Penis Envy mushrooms are reported to be approximately 50% more potent than P. cubensis.