He named the genus Phialophora, meaning "shallow cup bearer" to represent the characteristic shape and the species epithet verrucosa, in reference to the resemblance of the lesion to "verrucous tuberculosis".

[6] Although P. verrucosa was originally discovered in human tissue, it is known to occur naturally in soil, plant debris,[3] wasp nests,[4] and rotting wood.

[1] In a study where multiple strains of P. verrucosa were found growing in rotting wood, soil, and the bark and log of pine trees in Japan, it was found that these isolates from the natural environment had no distinct differences from P. verrucosa isolated from human tissue.

[1] A healthy individual who became infected with P. verrucosa gained initial exposure through direct contact of the skin with soil containing the fungus.

[1] Cases of chromoblastomycosis, subcutaneous phaehyphomycosis, and cutaneous infections caused by P. verrucosa have been reported to present with crusted, warty lesions[15] found on the face,[16] hands,[1] shin,[17] and sole of the foot.

[19] While the spread of chromoblastomycosis to the muscle and bone is usually rare,[15] in cases where antifungal drugs alone are insufficient in controlling the dissemination of the infection, limb amputation is required.

[19] Topical heat therapy, such as the use of disposable pocket warmers that sustain a temperature of 40 °C or greater for a period of 12 hours,[1] as well as localized cryotherapy, may be effective in preventing the growth of P. verrucosa and treating lesions.

[20] The use of fluconazole, followed by the combined use of oral itraconazole and the topical application of copper sulphate solution, was reportedly successful in treating a phaehyphomycotic ulcer caused by P.