B+ Spores are one of the most widely recognised and collected Psilocybe cubensis strains in the microscopy and taxonomy community. Known for their distinct purple-brown spore coloration, stable lineage, and long-standing reputation among researchers, B+ Spores remain a staple in spore libraries across the UK and beyond.

Whether you’re expanding your microscopy collection or building a reference library of cubensis genetics, B+ Spores represent a foundational strain worth understanding in detail.

Overview of B+ Spores

• Species: Psilocybe cubensis
• Strain Name: B+
• Spore Colour: Deep purple-brown
• Spore Print Density: Typically heavy
• Microscopy Use: Taxonomy, spore morphology study, educational analysis

B+ Spores are often described as a “classic cubensis” — meaning they display the core microscopic characteristics that define Psilocybe cubensis as a species. Because of this, they are frequently used as a comparative reference strain.

The Origins of B+ Spores

The exact origin story of B+ Spores is somewhat debated within the mycological community. The strain is believed to have surfaced in the United States in the 1990s and was popularised through early spore vendors and collectors.

Unlike regionally named strains such as Cambodian or Amazonian, B+ Spores are not directly tied to a single geographic origin. Instead, they became known for consistency and accessibility, which helped cement their status as one of the most distributed cubensis strains worldwide.

Their long-standing circulation has made B+ Spores one of the most studied and documented cubensis variants in microscopy circles.

Microscopic Characteristics of B+ Spores

When viewed under magnification, B+ Spores exhibit the defining traits of Psilocybe cubensis:

1. Spore Shape

Ellipsoid to sub-ellipsoid in form, typical of cubensis strains.

2. Spore Size

Generally within the species-standard cubensis range (approximately 11–17 µm × 7–12 µm).

3. Spore Colour

Dark purple-brown when deposited in mass, appearing translucent to pale under transmitted light microscopy.

4. Germ Pore

Clearly visible apical germ pore — a diagnostic feature of cubensis spores.

5. Surface Texture

Smooth outer wall, lacking ornamentation.

Because B+ Spores align so closely with textbook cubensis morphology, they are often used for educational comparison against other strains in the species.

Why B+ Spores Are So Popular

There are several reasons B+ Spores remain one of the most sought-after strains in the microscopy community:

✔ Consistency

Collectors frequently report uniform spore morphology across batches.

✔ Accessibility

B+ Spores are widely circulated and have been preserved by vendors for decades.

✔ Reference Value

Due to their popularity and documentation history, B+ Spores make an excellent baseline strain for comparative microscopy.

✔ Strong Spore Prints

Typically dense, making them suitable for slide preparation and long-term storage.

For spore collectors building a comprehensive cubensis library, B+ Spores are often considered essential.

B+ Spores vs Other Cubensis Strains

While all cubensis spores share core taxonomic traits, subtle distinctions can appear when comparing strains under magnification.

Strain	Geographic Association	Spore Colour	Research Popularity
B+ Spores	Unclear / USA origins	Purple-brown	Very High
Golden Teacher	Widely circulated	Purple-brown	Very High
Cambodian	Southeast Asia	Purple-brown	High
Amazonian	South America	Purple-brown	High

Microscopically, differences between cubensis strains are subtle. Variations may appear in average spore size distribution, print density, or overall genetic lineage — but species-level traits remain consistent.

B+ Spores are often chosen when a “standard cubensis profile” is desired.

Storage & Preservation of B+ Spores

To maintain viability for microscopy study and archival purposes:

• Store in a cool, dark environment
• Avoid moisture exposure
• Keep sealed in sterile packaging
• Refrigeration (not freezing) is recommended for long-term storage

Properly stored B+ Spores can remain suitable for microscopy research for years.

Legal Notice

B+ Spores are sold strictly for microscopy and taxonomy purposes only. They are not intended for cultivation. Customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with local laws before purchasing.

Who Should Consider Adding B+ Spores to Their Collection?

B+ Spores are ideal for:

• Beginners building a cubensis reference library
• Experienced microscopy hobbyists
• Comparative taxonomy researchers
• Educational demonstration use
• Spore print collectors

Because of their stable reputation and historical distribution, B+ Spores represent one of the safest and most established cubensis strain choices for microscopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are B+ Spores a different species from other cubensis strains?

No. B+ Spores belong to the species Psilocybe cubensis. They are a strain within that species, not a separate species.

What colour are B+ Spores?

B+ Spores produce a deep purple-brown spore deposit, typical of cubensis strains.

Are B+ Spores good for microscopy beginners?

Yes. Their consistent morphology and strong spore prints make them suitable for beginners learning cubensis identification.

Are B+ Spores different from Golden Teacher spores?

Both belong to Psilocybe cubensis. Differences are strain-level rather than species-level, meaning core microscopic traits remain the same.

Why B+ Spores Remain a Core Cubensis Strain

In the world of microscopy and spore collection, few strains have the recognition and staying power of B+ Spores. Their widespread documentation, consistent morphology, and long-standing presence in the community have made them one of the most trusted cubensis strains available.

For collectors building a serious cubensis archive, B+ Spores are not just another strain – they are a foundational reference point.