Abstract

A total of 251 native and newly naturalized plant species found in Taiwan were examined for the saprophytic growth of Sporothrix schenckii. The organism was isolated from soil samples throughout the country. Of the plant species tested, 114 supported no growth, 65 supported moderate growth, 37 supported good growth while 35 species induced abundant mycelial and conidial production. The studies demonstrated variation among plant species to support growth of S. schenckii as a saprophyte in nature.