Memnoniella
Memnoniella echinata
Also known as: Sister to Stachybotrys, Spiny black mold
Dark, powdery colonies similar to Stachybotrys but with distinctive spiny spore chains visible under microscopy; more powdery than slimy Stachybotrys
Memnoniella at a Glance
Memnoniella (Memnoniella echinata) is a elevated-risk, toxic mold with high allergenic potential. It most often grows in water-damaged drywall, chronically wet ceiling tiles, paper and cardboard materials, and its primary health concerns are respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, potential mycotoxin exposure, chronic health effects with prolonged exposure. Confirmation requires laboratory analysis of collected samples — visual identification alone is not conclusive.
- Risk level
- Elevated
- Category
- Toxic
- Common growth locations
- Water-damaged drywall, Chronically wet ceiling tiles, Paper and cardboard materials, Jute carpet backing
- Primary health concerns
- Respiratory irritation, Allergic reactions, Potential mycotoxin exposure, Chronic health effects with prolonged exposure
InspectaMold provides independent inspection and laboratory testing for Memnoniella across Southeast Louisiana — assessment and documentation only. We do not perform remediation, so findings stay unbiased.
Gulf Coast Relevance: High
Frequently found in Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast homes.
Appearance & Identification
Powdery; becomes dark and sooty
Colonies with characteristic spiny spore chains
Requires high sustained moisture; often co-occurs with Stachybotrys
Growth Conditions
90-100% sustained
0.93+ aw
59-86°F (15-30°C)
Common Growth Locations
Health Considerations
Respiratory irritation, Allergic sensitization, Chronic respiratory symptoms possible
high
Elevated concern; treat with similar precautions as Stachybotrys
Produces griseofulvins and related mycotoxins; similar health concern profile to Stachybotrys. Presence indicates conditions requiring professional assessment
How Our Inspectors Detect It
Found in materials with sustained >25% moisture content
- •Paper-faced drywall
- •Ceiling tiles
- •Cellulose materials
- •Jute backing
- •Cardboard
- •Active moisture intrusion
- •Wet wall cavities
- •Chronic moisture patterns
Remediation Considerations
All affected porous materials require removal and disposal
Thorough cleaning; structural drying essential
CRITICAL - same protocol as Stachybotrys
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memnoniella (Memnoniella echinata) dangerous?
Memnoniella is classified as a elevated-risk, toxic mold with high allergenic potential. Primary health concerns include respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, potential mycotoxin exposure, chronic health effects with prolonged exposure. Elevated concern; treat with similar precautions as Stachybotrys A professional assessment determines the extent and the right response for your property.
Where does Memnoniella grow in Gulf Coast homes?
Memnoniella commonly appears in water-damaged drywall, chronically wet ceiling tiles, paper and cardboard materials, jute carpet backing. It thrives at 90-100% sustained relative humidity with a water activity of 0.93+ aw, conditions that are common across humid Southeast Louisiana properties.
How do you identify Memnoniella?
Dark, powdery colonies similar to Stachybotrys but with distinctive spiny spore chains visible under microscopy; more powdery than slimy Stachybotrys Colonies are typically black, dark brown, greenish-black with a powdery; becomes dark and sooty texture. Strong musty odor similar to Stachybotrys Confirmation requires professional sampling and laboratory analysis rather than visual identification alone.
What does remediation of Memnoniella involve?
Memnoniella typically calls for full containment. All affected porous materials require removal and disposal CRITICAL - same protocol as Stachybotrys InspectaMold documents the conditions and provides an independent protocol so the underlying moisture source is corrected, not just the visible growth.
Concerned about Memnoniella in your property?
InspectaMold provides independent, lab-backed mold inspection and air quality testing across Southeast Louisiana. Get an accurate identification and a clear plan.