Summary
Overall low pollen and fungal spore counts were seen. Although no new data were available for Durban, the mould counts should be moderate at this time.
Cape Town
Low pollen levels as well as fungal spore counts were seen during this sampling period. Tree pollen included the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), cedar (Cedrus sp.), cypress (Cupressaceae), mulberry (Moraceae) and gum (Myrtaceae). Weeds detected were the daisy family (Asteraceae) erica (Ericaceae), mugwort (Artemisia sp.), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae).
Calvinia
Extremely low pollen and mould loads were seen during this sampling period. Tree pollen included the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) and bushwillow (Combretaceae). In the category: Weeds, only goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) and mugwort (Artemisia sp.) were detected. No grass pollen was seen.
Johannesburg
Low grass, weed and tree pollen levels were recorded. Tree pollen included birch (Betulaceae), cypress (Cupressaceae), gum (Myrtaceae), oak (Quercus sp.) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were from the daisy family (Asteraceae), spurges (Euphorbiaceae) and fern spores (Polypodiaceae). Fungal spores were low.
Pretoria
Low pollen and fungal spore counts were seen. Tree pollen included Australian pine (Casuarina sp.), waxberry (Morella sp.) and a consistent presence of oak (Quercus sp.). Only fern spores (Polypodiaceae) were seen in the weeds category.
Bloemfontein
The pollen categories were all low during this sampling period. The only tree pollen detected was the sumac family (Anacardiaceae). Weeds were only slangbos (Stoebe-type). Moulds were also very low.
Kimberley
Low grass, tree and weed pollen was seen at this site. Tree pollen included the sumac family (Anacardiaceae), bush willow (Combretaceae) and cypress (Cupressaceae). The weeds detected included the daisy family (Asteraceae), the iris family (Iridaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Fungal spores were also low.
Durban
The spore trap is repaired and new data will be available next week. Projected counts based on two previous years’ sampling and a detailed weather report for the current week, are given here. Tree, grass and weed pollen levels should be low. Trees usually detected at this time of the year include pine (Pinaceae) and karee (Searsia/Rhus sp.). Typical weeds include the daisy family (Asteraceae), sorrel (Rumex sp.), mistletoe (Loranthaceae) and slangbos (Stoebe-type). Moulds are moderate.
Gqeberha
Low pollen and fungal spore/mould levels were recorded at this site. Tree pollen detected included the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) and waxberry (Morella sp.). Weeds identified were katstert (Anthospermum sp.), sedges (Cyperaceae), erica (Ericaceae) the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), spurges (Euphorbiaceae) and slangbos (Stoebe-type).
