Understanding the Terminology of Mushroom Varieties: Race, Variety, and Strain

The proper terminology for referring to the different types of Psilocybe Cubensis Varieties mushrooms is one of the most important things while using terms. In this case, most of the time, ‘Race’, ‘Variety’, and ‘Subvariety’ are more accurate terminologies than ‘Strain’. Let’s explore why that is the case and how one should go about referring using those terms correctly.

Why ‘Race’, ‘Variety’, and ‘Subvariety’ Are More Accurate Than ‘Strain’
The Idea of Race on Mushrooms

The term ‘Race’ makes better sense when describing the different kinds of Cubensis mushrooms, rather than ‘Strain’. Much like humans who belong to different parts of the world, resulting in variations, it is the case with these mushrooms. Almost all of the Cubensis mushrooms are named after their places of origin where the original wild spore specimens were found. Thus, in a way, ‘Race’ is a better word and clears up the misleading meanings associated with ‘Strain’.

Distinguishing ‘Strain’ from ‘Strain’

The term ‘Strain’ without quotation marks means any living tissue of mycelium in the dikaryotic stage for mycology. The ‘Strain’ with quotation marks, however is a coined term of commercial spore vendors and, hence can be deemed misleading. Vendors use the term ‘Strain’ to make mushroom spores sound more diversified thereby promote them like different strains of marijuana when in fact biological differences are next to none.

Knowing the Varieties of Psilocybe Cubensis
Psilocybe Cubensis: A Unique Species

Psilocybe Cubensis is a species of mushroom, just as Shiitake, Azures, and Amanitas are also separate species. It is almost impossible to interbreed different species of mushrooms to form some sort of hybrid, similar to the impossibility of mating a human with a gorilla. Still, the spores of one race of Cubensis will mate with the spores of another race to produce different strains.

The Role of Varieties

Because anytime the mycelium from one spore mates with another’s, a new strain is formed—like a new baby. Thousands, if not millions, of different strains could result from just one spore print. But because of how close they are to their parent mushrooms, these strains often resemble them very closely.

Abuse of the Term ‘Strain’

What most vendors often misrepresent, however, is the term ‘Strain’ when referring to the type of spores included with a spore print or syringe. This can be very misleading and has created a lot of confusion and misinformation among cultivators. Unlike marijuana, which is derived from seeds, Cubensis mushrooms are derived from spores and breathe oxygen, while producing CO2 as byproduct.

Misleading Terminology and the Impact of Vendor Misrepresentation

Much misinformation regarding the actual diversity of Cubensis stems from the widespread misuse of the term ‘Strain’ by vendors. This can be very advantageous to vendors, especially those of low reputation, since it suggests to the customer a much greater variety than actually exists.

The Reality of Mushroom Strains

While there are some racial and varietal differences among Cubensis due to natural and unnatural selection, actual differences are often minute. Many of the characteristics vendors tout, such as fast colonization or high potency, are often exaggerated.

Browsing Through the Different Kinds of Cubensis Mushrooms
Unique Varieties

Unique mushrooms can sometimes be bred selectively to emphasize certain traits, thus a new variety can be achieved. These varieties are then largely marketed as new ‘Strains’, when in fact they are just unique forms of Cubensis. Domesticated varieties can become genetically limited over time due to the inbreeding, thus changing the nature of them over time.

Sub-Varieties

Sub-varieties are created by crossing different varieties. For example, the crossing of PF Albino with Penis Envy gave birth to Albino Penis Envy, which is the sub-variety for both of the above-mentioned mushrooms. Even though these designations are a bit confusing, they are much closer to the truth than the term ‘Strain’.

Practical Tips for Mushroom Growers
How to Select the Proper Spores

In your choice of spores, consider their origin and story. Whether it’s Tasmanian spores because of their origin or Penis Envy due to their appearance, remember all Cubensis varieties share a lot in common.

Multispore vs. Strain Isolation

Using agar makes the inoculation of spores much more controlled, thus providing consistency in growth. On the other hand, multispore inoculation is less predictable and can be more exciting due to the natural variability it introduces. The classic and popular varieties are generally more consistent.

Conclusion

Any cultivator must know the right terminology and the reality behind mushroom varieties. This helps one to be very clear in their terminology and avoid miscommunication and spreading of misinformation, which causes unsuccessful cultivation experiences.

Written by Brian Sporwell

Brian Sporwell, is Mushly.com's trendsetting mycophile, blending urban chic with the untamed wilderness. With a flat cap and an eye for the avant-garde, Brian dives deep into the forest's mysteries, surfacing with tales that are as enlightening as they are stylish. Assisted by his AI companion Grok, he crafts content that's fresh, funky, and undeniably fungal.