What is syncephalastrum?

Syncephalastrum is a genus of filamentous fungi belonging to the family Syncephalastraceae. They are commonly found in soil, plant debris, and compost piles.

Some species of Syncephalastrum are known to cause infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. One species, Syncephalastrum racemosum, has been implicated in cases of invasive pulmonary infections and disseminated infections.

The genus is characterized by the production of spherical clusters of red-brown spores called synnemata. The synnemata can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The individual spores are smooth-walled, multicellular, and produced in chain-like clusters.

Syncephalastrum species are potentially useful in bioremediation, as they have been shown to degrade certain organic pollutants in soil and water. Additionally, some species produce metabolites with antimicrobial and anticancer properties, suggesting potential applications in medicine and agriculture.