Phialophora species comprise a small proportion of the fungal biota. This genus is most closely related to Exophiala and Fonseca. Some species are plant pathogens; others cause soft-rot on wood. Phialophora verrucosa is one of the main agents of chromoblastomycosis in tropical and subtropical regions. Other health effects caused by Phialophora species include rare cases of mycetoma and phaeohyphomycoses. No information is available regarding toxicity. Allergenicity has not been studied. May be identified on surfaces by tape lifts, tease mounts from bulk samples, and in air by culturable (Andersen) sampling. (Spores do not have distinctive morphology and would be categorized as "other colorless" on spore trap samples.) Phialophora, like Fusarium, is a water loving fungus. Recorded isolations include soft-rots of wood, roots, stems and leaves of plants and grasses, and soil.