Psilocybe cyanescens in Germany
Ecology and Taxonomy of an Invasive Neomycete
by Alexander Gießler
Date of Examination:2017-01-20
Date of issue:2018-01-17
Advisor:Prof. Dr. Ursula Kües
Referee:Prof. Dr. Martin Ziehe
Referee:Prof. Dr. Holger Kreft
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Description:Dissertation Psilocybe cyanescens Giessler
Abstract
English
Psilocybe cyanescens is an invasive but understudied synanthrope in Germany. The ecological and social problems connected to this potently psychoactive member of the Strophariaceae required a comprehensive study describing its current distribution, specific characteristics and taxonomical position as fundament for the prospective handling. This thesis covers diverse biological aspects by field investigations, cultivation experiments, microscopical studies, mating experiments and genetic fingerprintings. The results revealed a genetically depauperated, but, through anthropogenous promotion fast spreading, saprobe. Its lack of allopatric differentiation in Europe as well as North America indicates a relatively recent population explosion outside of the unknown natural habitat by globalization and urban mulch usage. Furthermore, the taxonomical classification appears to be unfinished. A species delimitation to the American relatives P. azurescens and P. allenii proved to be difficult. All three taxa probably originated from P. subaeruginosa populations in Australia and represent variations of the same species. An ongoing spreading of P. cyanescens in Germany may be expected. Sooner or later it will also enter the local forest ecosystems, if not yet done.
Keywords: Psilocybe; cyanescens; neomycete; Giessler; Gießler; magic mushroom