Characteristics

Distribution
Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Especially abundant in warm climates.
Approx. 4-5 species.

Where Found
Decaying plant material and soil.

Mode of Dissemination
Active discharge mechanism. Does not require wind or rain.

Growth Indoors
Rarely found growing indoors.

Industrial Uses
Not known.

Other Comments
None.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
Very rare report of human infection.

Potential Toxin Production
Not known.

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characteristics
White, floccose, spreading. Develops black spore clusters with time.

Spore Trap Recognition
A distinctive large, dark brown (nearly black), globose spore is readily identifiable on spore trap slides.

Tape Lift Recognition
Distinctive, but rarely found.