Penis Envy Spores: Syringes, Prints & Isolates

Penis Envy is the best known mutation line of Psilocybe cubensis, named for its thick, pale stem and the small cap that stays close to it. The usual story credits Terence McKenna with a collection from the Amazon and Steven Pollock with the isolation, but that account is folklore and has never been documented. What is certain is that the line has circulated among hobbyists for decades.

For microscopists, PE prints are known for being sparse, since the mutation sporulates poorly. The spores are typical cubensis: subellipsoid, roughly 11 to 17 by 7 to 10 micrometres, purple-brown in mass. Many sub-lines are sold under their own names, including PE6, Uncut, Melmac and Albino Penis Envy, so check the vendor label for which one you are getting and whether it is an isolate or multispore.

• Species: Psilocybe cubensis
• Spore print: purple-brown, often sparse
• Sub-lines: PE6, Uncut, Melmac, Albino Penis Envy
• Also sold as: isolate syringes, multispore syringes, prints, swabs
• Known for: thick stem, small closed cap