Two new psychedelic mushroom species from southern Africa and notes on traditional African use

Two new species of fungi from the Hymenogastraceae family have been identified in southern Africa.

• One species was discovered fruiting on bovine manure-enriched grasslands in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province.
• This species is distinguished from its closest relatives by differences in specific DNA regions and larger basidiospores.
• Another species was found in the Free State Province and the Kingdom of Lesotho, also growing on bovine manure.
• Distinct characteristics include a secotioid pileus and differences in the same DNA regions compared to its closest relative.
• The spore dispersal and traditional, spiritualistic uses of these fungi are discussed.

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