Phonetic: Foam-uh

Phoma is a type I & III indoor air allergen. It is found in soil and on various plant parts and fruit as a parasite. Phoma species are reported to grow extensively on painted walls, particularly in humid places such as showers. It is known to favor potatoes but will also grow on butter and rice. Some species can be pathogenic to humans, causing either systematic or subcutaneous diseases (phaeohyphomycosis). It has also been known to cause mycotic keratitis, a rare skin infection. Morphological characteristics of this fungus include the production of dark colonies resulting from microscopic dark fruiting structures called pycnidia, which harbor one-celled spores. It has been reported to produce pink or purple spots on walls and grow on paint, cement, wood, paper and rubber. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° – 25°C, 7 – 10 days.