Periconia sp

Mitosporic fungus. Hyphomycetes.

Characteristics

Distribution

Ubiquitous;
cosmopolitan.
Approx. 20 species.

Where Found

Soil, blackened and dead herbaceous stems and leaf spots, grasses, rushes and sedges. Almost always associated with other fungi.

Mode of Dissemination

Dry spore.
Wind.

Growth Indoors

Rarely found growing indoors.

Industrial Uses

Not known.

Other Comments

None.

Potential Health Effects

Allergens

Not studied.

Potential Opportunist or Pathogen

Rare case of mycotic keratitis reported.

Potential Toxin Production

Not known.

Laboratory Notes

Growth/Culture Characteristics

Colonial morphology is similar to Cladosporium. Periconia is infrequently isolated in culture.

Spore Trap Recognition

Some species have distinguishing spore characteristics and are recognizable. Generally it is difficult to distinguish Periconia spores from the smuts, myxomycetes and other round, brown spore types.

Tape Lift Recognition

Spores with underlying sporulating structures are distinctive, although we very rarely see them on tape lifts.