Characteristics

Distribution
Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 6 species.

Where Found
Soil, wood, decaying vegetation. Some species found on leaves are plant pathogens.

Mode of Dissemination
Dry spore.
Wind.

Growth Indoors
Growth indoors is rare.

Industrial Uses
Not known.

Other Comments
None.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens
Known allergen. Shares allergens with Alternaria.
Type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen
A rare report of phaeohyphomycotic sinusitis (identification questionable).

Potential Toxin Production
Not known.

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characteristics
Grows on general fungal lab media; sporulation may be slow to absent. "Light/dark cycling" may induce sporulation.

Spore Trap Recognition
Distinctive, not easily confused with other genera, although young spores or spore fragments may be confused with other pigmented muriform spores such as Ulocladium, Alternaria or Pithomyces.

Tape Lift Recognition
Distinctive and readily identifiable on tape lifts. Although Stemphylium is rarely found growing indoors, it may be seen in dust as part of the normal influx of outdoor particles.