Phonetic: Try-ter’-ack-ee-um

Tritirachium is a widespread mitosporic (lacks a sexual state) fungus with only two accepted species, T. album and T. oryzae. This saprobe is commonly found in tropical regions on roots, bulbs, decaying plant material, and various organic substrates (paper, jute, adhesives, textiles, gypsum board). It is also known to be an insect pathogen. Tritirachium is an etiologic agent of keratomycosis (eye infection), and has also been reported from cases of otomycosis (ear infection). This genus is closely related to Beauveria, and is distinguished by its conidiogenous (fertile) cells grouped in verticals around the conidiophores. The colonies are slow growing with a downy texture and yellow, cinnamon-brown or purple in color. Culture - Potato dextrose agar or Malt extract agar, 20° – 25°C, 7 – 10 days.