Summary
Across South Africa, pollen and fungal spore levels were low during this sampling period. Moderate mould counts were recorded in Bloemfontein and Durban, and tree counts in Bloemfontein were also approaching significance.
Cape Town
All pollen counts were low during this sampling period. Trees identified included gum (Myrtaceae), Australian pine (Casuarina sp.), forest elder (Nuxia sp.) and the sumac family (Anacardiaceae). Weeds detected were the daisy family (Asteraceae) and mugwort (Artemisia sp.). Moulds were low as cold weather and rain inhibited spore release.
Calvinia
Low levels of trees, weeds and grass pollen were seen. Trees included only the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) and cypress (Cupressaceae). The weeds detected were the daisy family (Asteraceae), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Fungal spores were low.
Johannesburg
Low levels of grass, tree and weed pollen were seen. In the trees category, only gum (Myrtaceae) and elm (Ulmaceae) were detected. The weeds found included pigweed (Amaranthus sp.), erica (Ericaceae) and fern spores (Polypodiaceae). Fungal spores were low.
Pretoria
Low pollen concentrations were detected for trees, weeds and grasses. Tree pollen included cypress (Cupressaceae), oak (Quercus sp.) and willow (Salix sp.). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), erica (Ericaceae) and ferns (Polypodiaceae). Moulds were low.
Bloemfontein
Low grass and weed counts were seen, with tree levels approaching significance. The tree pollen detected were the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), cypress (Cupressaceae), bushwillow (Combretaceae), mulberry (Moraceae), waxberry (Morella sp.) and olive (Oleaceae). Weeds included the daisy family (Asteraceae), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), fern spores (Polypodiaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Moulds were moderate.
Kimberley
Very low levels were seen for all the pollen categories. Grasses were low, the only tree pollen detected was the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) and the only weed pollen seen was the daisy family (Asteraceae). Two days of rain inhibited the proliferation of spores so mould counts were extremely low.
Durban
Low levels were seen for grasses. The few trees that were detected were the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), gum (Myrtaceae), birch (Betulaceae) and forest elder (Nuxia sp.) Very few weed pollen grains were seen and these belonged to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Moulds were moderate but significant counts for Cladosporium, an allergenic mould/fungal spore, were detected throughout the week.
Gqeberha
Very low pollen levels were seen. Trees included birch (Betulaceae) and mulberry (Moraceae). No weeds were detected. Mould counts were also low.
