Characteristics

Distribution
Cosmopolitan.
Approx. 5 species.

Where Found
Plant litter, soil, many types of plants and trees.

Mode of Dissemination
Dry spore.
Wind.

Growth Indoors
Yes, on a variety of substrates.
Cellulolytic.

Industrial Uses
Not known.

Other Comments
Very closely related to Stachybotrys.
M. echinata produces acetic acid.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens
Not studied.

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Not known.

Potential Toxin Production
Trichothecenes (trichodermol and trichodermin) and griseofulvins. Trichothecene toxicity is due to the ability to bind ribosomal protein. Griseofulvin has been made commercially available as an anti-dermatophyte drug.

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characteristics
Grows on general fungal media, forming dark gray to black colonies. In Memnoniella the spores do not slime down but are held in long chains.

Spore Trap Recognition
Distinctive. Frequently found in conjunction with Stachybotrys species.

Tape Lift Recognition
Distinctive, readily identifiable on tape lifts.