I'm reading Paul Stamets' book Mycellium Running, and in the section on Endophytic fungi. That link mentions some of the known benefits of symbiosis between endophytes and grasses.

In passing, he mentions that some endophytes are known to synthesize tryptamines. I'm wondering if the alkaloid variability we see in these grasses, particularly in the wildtypes, could have something to do with this. Might the known strains, which I understand are spread by dividing, not from seed, have the particular type of fungus wanted already inoculated?

I don't really know how one would test this, or what use it might be, I'm just really struck by this at the moment.

Edit: This quote seemed very pertinent:

Edit #2: There's some evidence that Psilocybe cyanescens is actually a fruiting endophytic fungi...