The dematiaceous molds can be broadly separated into two major groups: the agents of chromomycosis that grow more slowly, maturing only after 7 days or more of incubation, and the more rapidly growing species that most commonly are clinically insignificant commensals or contaminants when recovered from clinical specimens, but in rare situations may cause opportunistic infections called phaeohyphomycosis.

Dematiaceous molds can be broadly separated into two major groups; the agents of chromomycosis and clinically insignificant commensals or contaminants. The agents of chromomycosis grow: more slowly than; more rapidly than; or generally at the same rate as the clinically insignificant commensals or contaminants?