Region: worldwide.
Mycology: rapidly growing, weedy mould; one of the earliest fungi to be grown in pure culture; first isolated in 1886; colonizes many habitats, vegetational products, soil, houses; reproduces both sexually and asexually; dimorphism, both filamentous and yeast-like morphologies, an important factor in its pathogenicity and has enhanced the industrial importance; an opportunistic pathogen, limited to immunocompromised individuals.
Use: industrial production of enzymes; manufacture of certain dairy foods; in allergen medical testing.