Asia’s ‘elf mushroom’ sparks vivid hallucinations—and remains a prized delicacy

A rare mushroom found in Asia, often referred to as 'China news' due to its prevalence in the region, has been linked to unusual hallucinations for decades. Known as Lanmaoa asiatica, it can cause people to see tiny, elf-like creatures when eaten. Despite its mind-altering effects, the fungus remains a popular food in parts of China. The mushroom was first formally described in 2015 by researchers Wu, Zhao, Hyde, and Li. Their study, published in Fungal Diversity, identified it as a tubular fungus with a vivid cap, pinkish stem, and yellowish crown. It resembles a larger porcini and is prized for its rich, umami flavour. In China’s Yunnan province, the mushroom is freely sold in markets and served in restaurants between June and August. Yet hundreds of people report hallucinations after eating it each year. These visions, often called 'Lilliputian hallucinations,' involve tiny, elf-like figures. Scientific literature contains only a few references to the phenomenon. The psychoactive effects of Lanmaoa asiatica were not confirmed until recently. Earlier, in the 1960s, researchers Gordon Wasson and Roger Heim documented similar hallucinations in Papua New Guinea. The mushroom’s elusive compounds may help scientists understand how the human brain processes visual information. The fungus continues to be eaten in Yunnan despite its strange side effects. Its dual role as both a delicacy and a hallucinogen has drawn interest from researchers. Further study could reveal more about its unique properties and cultural significance.