Mel Mac

A systematic selective breeding process carried out in a lab envirement by mycologists and researcher produced the Melmac strain of Psilocybine cubensis mushrooms. Its name was likely by the classic TV show Alf, featuring an alien from the planet Melmac, suggesting that this mushroom is "out of this world."

This strain is derived from the well-known Penis Envy, which has gained popularity due to its unusual look and strong effects. Although Melmac and Penis Envy don't look alike, they do have a few important traits in common. Melmac was meticulously produced through selective breeding to stabilize a unique variety within the original Penis Envy genetic material, unlike certain strains found in the wild.

Melmac Characteristics

Melmac mushrooms, despite their distinctive appearance, offer the same benefits as other Psilocybe cubensis varieties. They are known for their wavy caps and contorted stems, which make them visually unique giving them a “gnarly” appearance.

One of the standout features of Melmac mushrooms is their coloration. They typically display a striking golden-brown cap, which adds to their visual appeal. They are generally larger than many other Psilocybe cubensis strains, with caps that can reach up to 1.5 to 2.4 inches (4-6 cm) in diameter. This size, combined with their unique physical characteristics, makes Melmac mushrooms easily recognizable.

History of Melmac Mushrooms

The origins of Melmac mushrooms can be traced back to the groundbreaking work of activist and writer Terrence McKenna, who introduced the world to the famed Penis Envy strain. Melmac is considered a close relative or variant of Penis Envy, though its specific origins remain somewhat mysterious within the mycological community.

While Melmac mushrooms are closely related to Penis Envy, they are distinguished by their unique physical traits. Melmac mushrooms feature deep golden, wavy caps and twisted stems, setting them apart from other Psilocybe cubensis strains and making them easily identifiable.

The exact origins of Melmac are somewhat unclear, however, there's a story that in the 1980s, Homestead, a company known for its work with exotic mushrooms experimented with the original Penis Envy genetics. Their efforts led to the development of a unique variant that they named Melmac. Homestead sold spore prints of Melmac throughout the 1980s until the company eventually closed.

Melmac Mushroom Potency

Melmac mushrooms are known for their relatively high potency. With such strong parental genetics, it's more than likely that this mushroom strain shares some traits of their potency. However, many experts believe that a strain's potency is more influenced by growing conditions than its genetic makeup alone.

The average potency for Melmac is around 0.98% of total tryptamine levels placing it in the "above-average" range. However, some samples tested at Oakland Hyphae Cup showed more than 1.4% tryptamine levels (including psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and other tryptamine derivatives), highlighting the importance of optimal growing conditions.

Melmac Effects

Melmac mushrooms are known for their potent psychoactive effects. Even at lower doses, this strain can deliver intense and transformative experiences. Users frequently describe a surge of visual and sensory stimuli, with colors appearing more vivid and shapes taking on distorted forms. These effects can last up to six hours.

They tend to amplify the user’s mood, and in the right setting, they can induce a profound sense of euphoria, heightened empathy, and a deep connection to nature. However, individual experiences with Melmac mushrooms can vary based on factors such as dosage, personal body chemistry, previous psychedelic experiences, mindset, and setting.

However, it’s important to note that psychedelic experiences can sometimes go awry, leading to potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, panic attacks, and impaired decision-making, which could result in accidents or injuries.

Growing Melmac Mushrooms

Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, including the Melmac strain, thrive in subtropical environments, so replicating these conditions is key to successful cultivation. Like other Psilocybe cubensis strains, Melmac mushrooms grow well on substrates such as grains, dung, and enriched soils.

Cultivators favor Psilocybe cubensis strains for their relative ease of growth, and Melmac is no exception. It is known to colonize quickly and can yield abundantly under optimal conditions. This strain typically produces medium to large mushrooms with thick, dense stems and wavy golden-brown caps. Melmac caps may split at the margins, and sporulation tends to be moderate. Individual breeders may notice variations in growth patterns and appearance based on their specific cultivation methods.

Obtaining authentic genetics for cultivating the Melmac mushroom strain can be quite challenging. This difficulty arises from the strain's growing popularity and the numerous variations of Psilocybe cubensis available. That's where Fungi Maps can help. Search our platform for the most reputable spore vendors and ensure that you get the real deal!

Melmac Grow Guide

Prepare the Substrate

• Mix rye grain, wild bird seed, brown rice flour, and vermiculite to create your substrate.
• Sterilize the substrate to eliminate contaminants.

Inoculate the Substrate

• Inject sterile jars with Melmac spore solution.
• Allow the spores to colonize the substrate in a clean environment.

Create Optimal Growing Conditions

• Humidity: Keep it high (>80%).
• Temperature: Maintain between 68–82°F (20–28°C).
• Light: Minimal or none.
• Airflow: Low to moderate.

Colonization and Fruiting

• After inoculation, place the jars in a warm, dark place.
• After the substrate has finished colonizing, move it to a fruiting chamber.

Harvesting

• The full growing cycle from inoculation to harvest typically spans five to seven weeks.
• Harvest mushrooms when the caps open. Pinch them at the base of the stem.
• Fresh mushrooms can be consumed immediately or dried for longer storage.

Post-Harvest

• Do not discard the cakes after the first flush. Additional flushes can be expected, though they may yield fewer mushrooms. With Melmac, you can expect to get up to 4 flushes.

Can You Get Melmac With a Shroom Mail Order?

Yes, you can easily get a mail order with your mushrooms or Melmac spores. Use the Fungi Maps platform to effortlessly find some of the most reputable vendors that can provide you with top-notch quality, whether you are looking for dried mushrooms or spores to grow them yourself.