Summary
Pollen and fungal spores are all below the significant threshold but small peaks for trees (waxberry and elm) or little spikes for fungal spores/moulds were seen in Kimberley, Durban, George and Gqeberha.
Cape Town
Low concentrations of tree, weed and grass pollen were detected during this sampling period. Trees were waxberry (Morella) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were sedges (Cyperaceae), knotweed (Persicaria) and protea (Proteaceae). Fungal spores/moulds were low.
Johannesburg
This site is not operating but four-year means are given. Trees detected at this time of year previously have included bushwillow (Combretaceae), Australian pine (Casuarina), false olive (Buddleja), mulberry (Moraceae), gum (Myrtaceae), Poplar (Populaceae), karee (Rhus/Searsia), olive (Oleaceae) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), erica (Ericaceae), plantain (Plantaginaceae) and ferns (Polypodiaceae). Fungal spores/moulds are likely to be low.
Pretoria
This site is operating but the strip has not yet been received. Tree pollen at this time would be acacia (Acacia-type), birch (Betulus), cypress (Cupressaceae), mulberry (Moraceae) and gum (Myrtaceae). Weeds seen are usually the daisy family Asteraceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) and ferns (Polypodiaceae). Fungal spores/ moulds fluctuate from low to moderate.
Bloemfontein
Pollen and fungal spore concentrations were all insignificant at this site. Tree pollen included mullberry (Moraceae), gum (Myrtaceae), plane (Platanaceae), poplar (Populaceae) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae), goosefoot (Chenpodiaceae), erica (Ericaceae), sorrel (Rumex) and mallows (Malvaceae). Fungal spores/moulds were very low.
Kimberley
Low tree, grass and weed pollen was detected at this site. The only tree pollen caught was elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) and nettles. Fungal spores/moulds were low.
Durban
No significant pollen counts were recorded. Tree pollen included gum (Myrtaceae), birch (Betulus), karee (Rhus/Searsia) Australian pine (Casuarina) and mulberry (Moraceae). Weeds were goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), ragweed (Ambrosia) and ferns (Polypodiaceae). Fungal spores/moulds were low but some peaks were seen for ascospores following rain.
Gqeberh
All pollen types were low during this sampling period. Trees included the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) and waxberry (Rhus/Searsia). Weeds were aloe (Asphelodaceae), erica (Erica), spurges (Euphorbiacae), the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae), plantain (Plantaginaceae) and reed (Restionaceae). Fungal spores/moulds had small peaks for ascospores but were insignificant.
Potchefstroom
All pollen concentrations in Potchefstroom were low during this sampling period. The only tree detected was plane (Platanus). Weeds were pigweed (Amaranthaceae), sedges, mugwort (Artemisia) and plantain (Plantaginaceae). Moulds were very low.
George
Low concentrations were seen for all pollen categories. Trees included olive (Oleaceae), ash (Fraxinus) and false olive (Buddleja). Fungal spores/ moulds were low but increased after rain when small spikes were seen for ascospores and basidiospores (includes mushrooms).
Reference Range
Grass: Low: 0-5 Moderate: 6-20 High: 21-200
Trees: Low: 0-15 Moderate: 16-90 High: 91-1500
Weeds: Low: 0-10 Moderate: 10-50 High: 51-500
Moulds: Low: 0-900 Moderate: 900-2500 High 2500-25000
Unit: per cubic metre
