A Strange Mushroom Makes People See Tiny People
Tuesday, 2026/01/27175 words3 minutes1215 reads
In China's Yunnan Province, a peculiar mushroom named Lanmaoa asiatica has been causing quite a stir. This mushroom, when not cooked properly, induces hallucinations of tiny, elf-like figures. These visions, known as 'lilliputian hallucinations', have intrigued scientists and locals alike.
Colin Domnauer, a biology doctoral candidate, is at the forefront of research into this fascinating fungus. He discovered that the mushroom is not only found in China but also in the Philippines and possibly Papua New Guinea. Surprisingly, despite being found in different locations, the mushroom consistently causes the same type of hallucinations.
What makes L. asiatica particularly interesting is that its effects are unlike those of other known psychedelic substances. The hallucinations it causes are remarkably consistent across different people and experiences. Moreover, the 'trips' can last for an unusually long time, sometimes up to a week.
Researchers are now working to identify the chemical compound responsible for these unique effects. They believe that studying this mushroom could provide valuable insights into brain function and potentially lead to new treatments for certain neurological conditions.
