Meet the Panther Cap: History, Ecology, and More
Published on the DoubleBlind website: https://doubleblindmag.com/amanita-pantherina-panther-cap/
The Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) mushroom carries significant cultural mystique. It’s one of the most recognizable mushrooms and also one of the most well-known entheogens. Entire books delve into the various theories about its use and the subsequent cultural implications. Even children’s stories allude to its magical properties. But did you know that some related mushroom species also contain the same psychoactive compounds? The Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina), with its brown cap with white warts, is often overshadowed by its bright showy relative. The Panther Cap is mysterious—little is said about it other than as a passing aside. But, the potent mushroom has as many reasons to merit discussion.