Rusty Whyte

Description

Unveiling the Rusty Whyte Magic Mushroom: A Leucistic Enigma for Spore Enthusiasts

The Rusty Whyte Magic Mushroom presents a captivating study in fungal genetics and visual allure. This unique Psilocybe cubensis hybrid, a fascinating cross between the Albino A+ and Columbian Rust strains, offers a distinctive set of characteristics that make it a noteworthy specimen for mycological study and spore collection. While exhibiting a pale, creamy coloration, the Rusty Whyte mushroom is not a true albino but rather a leucistic variety, inheriting this intriguing trait from its Albino A+ parentage. What truly sets the Rusty Whyte apart is its production of striking red rust-colored spores, a visual paradox that makes its spore specimen highly sought after by collectors.

Delving into the Origin of the Rusty Whyte Mushroom

The story of the Rusty Whyte Psilocybe cubensis began in 2014, a testament to the dedication of the online mycological community. It was through the persistent efforts of “PastyWhyte,” a respected enthusiast on the Shroomery forum, that this unique hybrid came to fruition. By carefully crossing the Albino A+ and Colombian Rust Spore Cubensis strains, PastyWhyte successfully created the Rusty Whyte mushroom, a leucistic phenotype that blends the traits of its distinguished parent varieties. This intentional hybridization highlights the fascinating possibilities within Psilocybe cubensis genetics.

Physical Characteristics of the Rusty Whyte Mushroom Specimen

Rusty Whyte mushrooms are visually recognized by a compelling combination of features that stem from their leucistic nature and hybrid origin. Key physical traits include:

• Cream-Colored Caps: The caps of the Rusty Whyte mushroom display a signature pale, cream color. This leucistic trait, inherited from the Albino A+ parent, reduces pigmentation in the fruit bodies, creating their light appearance.
• Extended, Consistent Stems: The stems of Rusty Whyte specimens are typically elongated and maintain a consistent thickness, contributing to a substantial and elegant overall form.
• Dense Clusters: Rusty Whyte mushrooms often exhibit a growth pattern of dense clusters, developing closely together. This clustering effect presents an impressive visual display, particularly for those studying spore development and fruit body morphology.
• Rust-Colored Spores: The most defining visual characteristic of the Rusty Whyte is its production of red rust-colored spores. This striking contrast between the pale fruit body and richly pigmented spores is a key identifier and a major draw for spore collectors.

Given their interesting morphology and moderate potency, Rusty Whyte mushrooms provide valuable research material, especially for those with an intermediate level of mycology knowledge interested in studying Psilocybe cubensis varieties.

Key Characteristics of the Rusty Whyte Specimen

For quick reference, here are the defining characteristics of the Rusty Whyte mushroom:

• Species: Psilocybe cubensis
• Potency: Moderate
• Spore Color: Red Rust-Colored
• Leucism: Leucistic phenotype (pale cream coloration, not true albino)
• Cultivation Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly (for Psilocybe cubensis cultivation in general)
• Recommended Substrate: Brown Rice Flour (BRF) is often cited as a suitable substrate

Understanding Leucism in Rusty Whyte Mushrooms

To fully appreciate the Rusty Whyte mushroom, it’s important to understand the concept of leucism. Leucism is a genetic condition characterized by a reduction in pigmentation, affecting primarily the body or fruit body of an organism. It is frequently confused with albinism, but leucism is distinct. A crucial difference lies in spore pigmentation. True albino mushrooms lack pigment in their spores, resulting in translucent spores. In contrast, leucistic mushrooms like Rusty Whyte retain pigmentation in their spores.

In the case of Rusty Whyte, leucism results in the characteristic cream-colored flesh due to a lack of melanin. However, this pigment reduction does not extend to the spores, which retain a distinct and vibrant rust hue. This unique combination of a pale fruit body with richly colored spores is a hallmark of the Rusty Whyte mushroom and a key point of scientific interest.

Identifying Rusty Whyte Mushroom Specimens

Accurate identification of the Rusty Whyte mushroom relies on recognizing key visual markers. The most prominent identification features are:

• Rust-Colored Spore Deposits: The presence of red rust-colored spore prints or deposits is a primary identifying characteristic, directly contrasting with the pale fruit body.
• Cream-Colored Caps: The signature cream-colored caps, resulting from leucism, are another essential visual cue.

It’s important to note that Rusty Whyte mushrooms are not a naturally occurring wild variety. Their existence is a direct result of selective breeding and intentional genetic hybridization within controlled environments. Therefore, encountering a mushroom with these characteristics in the wild is highly unlikely. Familiarity with these identification markers is crucial for anyone studying or collecting Rusty Whyte spore specimens in a controlled or laboratory setting.

Beyond Morphology: Exploring Potential Attributes

While this article focuses on the physical and genetic aspects of the Rusty Whyte mushroom, it is worth noting that anecdotal reports often describe potential attributes associated with this strain. These accounts, though not scientifically verified here, frequently mention experiences characterized by:

• Euphoria and Elevated Mood: A common theme in descriptions of the Rusty Whyte experience is a sense of heightened euphoria and a significantly elevated mood.
• Introspective and Connected Feelings: Some reports suggest that Rusty Whyte mushrooms may facilitate insightful introspection and a profound feeling of connectedness, although further research would be needed to substantiate these claims.

How To Grow Rusty Whyte Magic Mushrooms

This sub-variety is considered intermediate to grow and may pose a challenge for new growers.

There are a variety of different ways to grow Rusty Whyte mushrooms. Yet, the most beginner-friendly method is to fruit directly from the bag using an all-in-one bag such as this one from Mushroomsupplies.com.

However, if you are looking for more hands-on experience, we would recommend using a grow-chamber setup using grain spawn and a manure-based substrate. We have found that the easiest grow chamber setup consists of using a tin container. You can read the full post on how to grow mushrooms using tin containers here.

Below is a summary of this post:

1. Innoculate grain bag with 3-5cc of Rusty Whyte liquid culture or spores via spore syringe.
2. Store the inoculated grain bag in a dry area for colonization making sure to maintain a substrate temperature of 84-86. Colonizing mycelium generates its own heat, so an ambient room temperature in the high 70s is recommended.
3. Once fully colonized, prepare the tin container and begin layering the substrate and colonized grain. Begin and end with a layer of the substrate.
4. Set aside for re-colonization (10-14 days)
5. Prepare the li by adding fresh air holes and cover with micro-pore tape.
6. Replace the lid and place the tin into fruiting conditions. Reduce the ambient temperatures to reduce the substrate temperatures to 74-78 degrees F.
7. Mist the inside of the chamber lid when needed.
8. Harvest

Rusty Whyte Mushroom Growing Parameters:

Preferred Substrate(s):	Various grain types, compost, pasteurized dung/straw
Substrate Temperature (Colonization):	84/86 degrees F.
Substrate Temperature (Fruiting):	74/78 degrees F.
Humidity/FAE	During Colonization: 100%RH, 0 FAE: During Fruiting: 90%RH, FAE 2-5x per day

Note: Substrate temps should be measured internally using a probe thermometer. We’ve found that multi-probe thermometers, such as this dual probe and this quad probe thermometer are easy and very accurate.

Sources:The Mushroom Cultivator (P. Stamets), psilosophy.info–psilopedia.com–spores101.co