Traditionally, the term “Black Fungus” is used for Phaeoid (dematiaceous) fungi in medical microbiology due to its brownish black color on a KOH mount under the microscope. In fact, the term “Phaeoid” literally means “dark” as these fungi contain melanin.

Thus, mucormycosis isn’t really the “black fungus”, however, it does give black color on the area where it grows, leading to this misunderstanding. The black color here isn’t from the fungus itself, but from the dead “necrotic” tissue as a result of the fungal infection.

Mucor is a fungus commonly found in plants, soil, decaying fruits and vegetables. It is also found in air and dirt and may even be found in the nose and mouth of healthy individuals, without causing any infection.

Mucor usually enters the body through inhalation while breathing, ingestion from mouth or injection through skin. It can affect any part of the body, and the disease caused in the human body due mucor is called “mucormycosis”.