Biologists have identified a remarkable chemical paradox in the fungal kingdom: a tiny brown mushroom named Galerina indica that produces both hallucinogenic psilocybin and lethal amatoxins. According to genomic analyses reported by Science News, the species inherited its deadly amatoxin genes from ancient fungal ancestors while separately acquiring the genetic toolkit for psychedelic compounds. Researchers warn foragers that this “dark magic mushroom” can bruise blue like safe psilocybin varieties, yet ingesting it can cause fatal liver failure.
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