A mushroom with a name that raises eyebrows. Cortinarius entheosus was described in 2016. The species name 'entheosus' suggests psychoactive properties. Entheogens are substances used in spiritual or religious contexts. The taxonomist who named it was either being cheeky or making a serious observation about traditional use. Either way, the name is provocative. It invites speculation. It demands caution. The genus Cortinarius is enormous. Thousands of species exist worldwide. Many are poisonous. Some are deadly. A few are psychoactive. This one may be among them. The name suggests that someone knows something. Or at least suspects it. The uncertainty is part of the appeal. It is also part of the danger. The fruiting body is typical of webcaps. It has a cap, gills, and a stem. A cobweb-like veil, known as the cortina, covers the gills when young. The colour is brownish. It may have purple or blue tints. The details are sparse. The species was described from limited material. Identification requires expertise. Visual cues are insufficient. Microscopic features are necessary. Entheos comes from Greek. It means 'inspired' or 'god-filled'. Entheogens are plant or fungal substances used to induce spiritual experiences. The name entheosus implies that this mushroom has been used for such purposes. Or it could be used. The implication is strong. The evidence is weak. Was it used by Māori? There is no clear evidence. Māori traditionally used fungi for food and medicine. Psychoactive use is not well documented. The taxonomist may have been speculating. Or they may have known something not published. The record is silent. The name remains a question mark. The habitat is native forest. The mushroom grows on the ground. It sits among leaf litter. It is mycorrhizal. It forms partnerships with tree roots. It cannot be cultivated easily. It belongs in the bush. The environment is specific. The requirements are strict. Very little is known about this species. It has been collected only a few times. Its distribution is uncertain. Its effects are unknown. Its toxicity is not documented. The name suggests danger. The name suggests mystery. Both are likely true. Ignorance is not safety. Cortinarius species can be difficult to identify. Many look similar. Spore shape, colour, and microscopic features are needed for certainty. The entheosus name may be the most distinctive thing about it. The morphology is generic. The label is unique. The mushroom is not for eating. Even if it is psychoactive, consuming unknown Cortinarius species is risky. Some species cause kidney failure. Some cause death. The name is a warning, not an invitation. The risk outweighs the curiosity. The consequences are severe. Cortinarius entheosus is a reminder. New Zealand's fungi are still being discovered. Some are beautiful. Some are deadly. This one may be both. The duality is inherent. The forest holds its secrets. The names hint at them. The science lags behind. No one told it otherwise.