Analysis of anemotropism in the mushroom Psilocybe cubensis

Abstract

The bending of the growing basidiocarp of Psilocybe cubensis into air flow (anemotropism) was investigated. Basidiocarps were placed in a wind tunnel under controlled conditions and anemotropism was evaluated in relation to the physical dimensions of the mushroom and to certain environmental factors. Six lines of evidence are presented demonstrating that the cause of the bending is a greater water loss from the windward side than from the leeward side of the mushroom. Dehydration may result in unequal growth owing to differential production or activity of a hypothetical growth factor or because of a differential in turgor pressure.