Natalensis (True Natalensis) liquid culture syringe | 10 ml

Psilocybe ochraceocentrata (originally called Psilocybe natalensis) is a fascinating mushroom species known for its exceptional growth characteristics, powerful properties and user-friendly cultivation process. Our premium liquid culture syringes contain viable mycelium in a nutrient solution, ready to kickstart your mycological research with this remarkable species.

Origin and background

Psilocybe ochraceocentrata was first scientifically described in 1995 by researchers Jochen Gartz, Derek Reid, Michael Smith and Albert Eicker. This species is native to South Africa and gets its name from the place where it was discovered, in the province of Natal. The culture in our syringes comes from a carefully selected wild specimen that has been isolated and refined for optimal performance in laboratory conditions.

As a close relative of Psilocybe cubensis, natalensis has many similarities, but also a few distinct advantages that are making it increasingly popular among mycology enthusiasts. This strain is gaining attention in the cultivation community for its remarkable resilience and efficient growth patterns.

Cultivation characteristics

Substrate requirements

Natalensis thrives on the same substrates as cubensis varieties, making it super convenient for growers familiar with standard mushroom cultivation techniques. It does well on:

• Various grain-based substrates for initial colonisation
• Common bulk substrates, including coconut, manure-based mixtures, and supplemented wood
  
  

One of the most striking things about P. natalensis is its super aggressive mycelium, which colonises substrates quickly and is impressively resistant to contamination. Growers have even seen the mycelium use contaminants as a food source and continue to produce healthy fruiting bodies.

Optimal growing conditions

For successful cultivation of P. ochraceocentrata Natalensis, you must maintain the following environmental parameters:

• Temperature: 24-27 °C during colonisation; slightly lower temperatures during fruiting
• Humidity: 90-95% during fruiting for optimal development
• Light: Indirect natural light or fluorescent lamps for several hours per day
• Air exchange: requires slightly more fresh air exchange (FAE) than cubensis varieties
  
  

Although natalensis prefers these ideal conditions, it shows remarkable adaptability. Research has shown that even at temperatures as low as 15.5 °C (60 °F), the mycelium continues to colonise substrates, albeit at a slower rate. This temperature flexibility makes it an excellent choice for growers in a variety of environments.

Perfect for beginners and experts

Natalensis has quickly gained a reputation as the ideal species for novice growers. Its exceptional characteristics include:

• Forgiving, tolerates minor errors in growing conditions
• Superior resistance to contamination compared to other species
• Rapid colonisation, reducing vulnerability in the early stages
• Consistent, abundant fruiting with multiple flushes

For experienced mycologists, natalensis offers the opportunity to work with a unique species that exhibits fascinating biological characteristics. Its aggressive growth patterns and resilience in the environment make it an excellent candidate for experimental cultivation techniques and strain development.
When using our liquid culture syringes, you can expect faster colonisation compared to traditional spore syringes, as the mycelium is already actively growing in the nutrient solution. The visible off-white mycelium fragments floating in the solution indicate a healthy, viable culture that is ready for inoculation.

Potency and properties

Natalensis contains significant amounts of psychoactive substances, including psilocybin. Research has shown various beneficial substances in extracts of P. natalensis, including natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Growers and researchers consistently report that Psilocybe ochraceocentrata produces potent fruiting bodies, which are generally considered to be stronger than average cubensis varieties. Users often describe the experience as uniquely ‘friendly’ compared to other species.