Pithomyces sp. |
Mitosporic fungus. Hyphomycetes. Teleomorph (sexual state): Leptosphaerulina (Ascomycete). | |
| Distribution | Where Found | Mode of Dissemination |
| Ubiquitous; cosmopolitan. Approx. 15 species. |
Common on dead leaves of more than 50 different plants, especially leaf fodders. Soil, grasses./span> | Dry spore. Wind. |
| Allergen | Potential Opportunist or Pathogen | Potential Toxin Production |
| Not studied. | No reports of infections. | Sporidesmin. |
| Growth Indoors | Industrial Uses | Other Comments |
| Rarely found growing indoors. Can grow on paper. |
Not known. | Pithomyces chartarum is one of the causes of facial eczema in sheep in New Zealand. |
| Characteristics: Growth/Culture | Notes on Spore Trap Recognition | Notes on Tape Lift Recognition |
| Grows readily on general fungal media; sporulation may be slow, and may require a "light/dark cycle." Colonies are shades of tan to brown. | Distinctive multicelled, brown conidia of Pithomyces chartarum are recognizable on spore trap slides. Other species are common but more difficult. | Distinctive. Rarely found on tape lifts. |
| Definitions | References | Commentary | ||