Microscopic Morphology: Cladosporium produces erect, dark, septate hyphae. Conidiophores are also darkly pigmented, may be septate and show tree-like branching. Fragile chains of dematiaceous blastoconidia are produced and exhibit a dark hila or scar at their point of attachment to the conidiophore or other conidia. The 1-4 celled conidia are round to oval (3 -6 µm X 4 - 12 µm) and may be smooth-walled to verrucose in surface texture. Cells on the conidiophore which bear the chains of conidia are sometimes septate and appear in the shape of a ‘shield’. These cells are also conidia but are referred to as shield cells. Chains of conidia easily disarticulate (break up) and were frustratingly difficult to document using both adhesive tape andslide culture techniques.
Cladosporium species are not thermotollerant and some species may not grow at 37˚C.