Although an inhibitory role of the spore matrix on germination of Colletotrichum musae is well established, its role in protecting spores from adverse environmental conditions remains to be proven. The possible role of the spore matrix in the survival of spores of C. musae was investigated by germinating unwashed spores of four isolates after storage at 18°C, washed and unwashed spores of three isolates after storage at –4°C and 37°C, and one isolate after exposure to UV (~290 nm) radiation. Unwashed spores with the matrix intact consistently survived better than washed spores. The rate of germination of matrix containing stored spores was greater following 1–2 days of rehydration than when immersed directly into water. Removing the matrix was fatal to spores exposed to UV radiation. This study suggests that the spore matrix of gloeosporoid fungi, such as C. musae, is critical to their survival.