B+ – Strain Profile & History
B+ is one of the most widely distributed and recognizable varieties of Psilocybe cubensis. Known for its large, caramel-brown caps and forgiving growth characteristics, it has become a cornerstone strain in the collections of mycologists worldwide.
Origins and Early Circulation
The true origin of B+ is shrouded in mystery. The most circulated account attributes its release to a Florida-based hobbyist known simply as Mr. G in the 1990s. According to forum lore, he distributed spore prints to early collectors and vendors under the name “B+.”
Morphology & Key Traits
- Cap Formation: Large, broad, and typically caramel to golden brown, fading lighter toward the edges.
- Stem Characteristics: Thick, sturdy stipes often growing quite tall, with pale white coloration that bruises blue when handled.
- Gill Development: Consistent and prolific, producing abundant spores.
- Spore Profile: Dark purple-brown spores, measuring 7–12 µm in length.
- Mycelial Growth: Known for being fast-colonizing and adaptable to a wide range of substrates.
These traits made B+ especially appealing to early spore collectors: it combined visual impressiveness with a dependable reproductive profile, ensuring its long-term place in circulation.
Cultural Status
B+ has become a household name in cubensis circles, often recommended as a “classic” strain for collections due to its reliability and aesthetic appeal. Its reputation was amplified by the online mycology boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when forums, early websites. Independent vendors made spores available to a broader audience.
Because of its distribution and consistency. B+ has also become a baseline strain against which other cubensis varieties are compared. When new or exotic isolates are introduced, they’re often described relative to the size, flush, or stability associated with B+.
Observational Notes from Basidium Equilibrium
Consistency: B+ demonstrates one of the most stable morphologies among cubensis, with predictable cap and spore characteristics.
Flush Size: Known for producing particularly large fruiting bodies, with caps that can rival some of the bigger cubensis varieties in diameter.
Spore Output: High spore production makes B+ a favorite for microscopy collections and lineage studies.
Historical Weight: While newer strains gain attention for rarity, B+ has persisted as a benchmark classic, its longevity itself a testament to its reliability.
Legacy and Significance
The story of B+ is less about a single discovery and more about community adoption. Released into the wilds of the underground mycology scene, it gained traction not because it was the rarest or most unusual, but because it was dependable, impressive, and easy to share.
In that sense, B+ is a strain that reflects the heart of the spore-collecting community, built on trust, distribution, and a shared fascination with fungi. It is, in many ways, the gateway strain for collectors, and its presence in nearly every spore library speaks to its enduring cultural and scientific value.
B+ is more than just another cubensis—it is a living part of mycology’s modern history. From its mysterious origins with Mr. G to its global recognition today, it has proven to be a reliable, iconic, and foundational strain. While newer genetics may steal the spotlight, B+ remains an enduring reminder of the curiosity, persistence, and community spirit that fuel fungal exploration.
