Summary
Covid isolation and closed buildings over the holiday season have prevented access to some pollen monitoring sites and archived data has been used for the affected sites. Pollen in the atmosphere has decreased but a mere 5 grains of grass/cubic metre may trigger symptoms in those who are exquisitely sensitive so travellers should carry preventive medication and non-sedating antihistamines, especially when moving to a new area.
Cape Town
Grasses decreased but occasional spikes were detected. Trees identified included acacia (Acacia sp.), cypress (Cupressaceae), the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria angustifolia), the persimmon family (Ebenaceae), olive (Oleaceae), pine (Pinaceae), gum (Myrtaceae) and sweet gum (Liquidambar). Weeds were sorrel (Rumex sp.), bulrush (Typhaceae), English Plantain (Plantaginaceae), the daisy family (Asteraceae) and erica (Ericaceae). Moulds were low as rain ceased and temperatures increased.
Johannesburg
Tree, grass and weed pollen levels remained low and were possibly inhibited by rain. Trees identified included Australian pine (Casuarina), gum (Myrtaceae) mulberry (Moraceae), olive (Oleaceae) and oak (Quercus sp.). Weeds detected were English Plantain (Plantaginaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae) and bulrush (Typha sp.). Moulds were low.
Pretoria
Grasses may increase in this area. Typical trees found at this time of year cypress, acacia, casuarina, jacaranda, mulberry, eucalyptus, olive, pine, plane, oak and birch pollen. Weed pollen may include English Plantain (Plantaginaceae) and slangbos (Stoebe). Moulds are generally low.
Bloemfontein
Grass levels decreased but small spikes were detected. Trees detected included acacia (Acacia sp.), mulberry (Moraceae), waxberry (Morella sp.), hackberry (Celtis sp.), gum (Myrtaceae), olive (Oleaceae), pine (Pinaceae), plane (Platanus sp.) and karee (Rhus sp.). Weeds observed included the daisy family (Asteraceae) and English Plantain (Plantaginaceae). Moulds were low.
Kimberley
Tree pollen found at this time of the year includes ash (Fraxinus) and gum (Myrtaceae). Weed pollen is usually sparse but pollen from the daisy family (Asteraceae) and spurges (Euphorbiaceae) may be seen. Moulds are usually low, but spikes will occur for the allergenic spore Cladosporium following rain.
Durban
Pollen was trapped in low numbers. Trees identified were the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria angustiolia) and peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius). Weeds included English Plantain (Plantaginaceae), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) and the daisy family (Asteraceae). Moulds were high.
Gqeberha
Pollen was largely swept away by strong wind. Tree pollen identified included Australian pine (Casuarina), waxberry ( Morella sp.), gum (Myrtaceae), olive (Oleaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae) the daisy family (Asteraceae), pigweed ( Amaranthus sp.) and spurges (Euphorbiaceae). Moulds were low.
