Abstract A new black yeast species, Exophiala
xenobiotica, is described, a segregant of the
Exophiala jeanselmei complex. It is morphologically
very similar to E. jeanselmei, though with
less melanized conidiogenous cells, but deviates
unambiguously on the basis of molecular phylogeny.
The species is a relatively common agent
of cutaneous infections in humans, whereas E.
jeanselmei is associated with subcutaneous infections.
Environmental strains of E. xenobiotica are
frequently found in habitats rich in monoaromatic
hydrocarbons and alkanes.