Summary
Grass peaks persist in Kimberley and Bloemfontein and are just significant in Potchefstroom. Tree, weed and mould concentrations are low throughout the pollen sampling network.
Cape Town
Insignificant pollen and mould concentrations were measured during this sampling week. Tree pollen included pine (Pinaceae), mesquite (Prosopis) and monkey puzzle (Araucaria angustifolia). Weeds were sorrel (Rumex) and moulds were very low.
Johannesburg
4-year means are given. At this time of year, tree pollen is typically bushwillow (Combretaceae), gum (Myrtaceae), pine (Pinaceae) and linden (Tiliaceae). Weeds are slangbos (Stoebe-type), goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) and erica (Ericaceae). Moulds are low.
Pretoria
4-year means are given. Trees usually detected are gum (Myrtaceae) and elm (ulmaceae). Weeds are slangbos (Stoebe-type) and moulds are low.
Bloemfontein
Grasses were moderate. Tree and weed pollen was insignificant. Trees identified included bushwillow (Combretaceae), false olive (Buddleia), ash (Fraxinus), pine (Pinaceae) and karee (Rhus/Searsia). Weeds included the daisy family (Asteraceae), pigmyweeds (Amaranthaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae) and Fern Pellaea (Pterodaceae). Moulds were insignificant.
Kimberley
The grass peak is decreasing but is still moderate. Tree and weed pollen was minimal. Trees detected included mesquite (Prosopis), bushwillow (Combretaceae), birch (Betulus), olive (Oleaceae) and waxberry (Morella). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae), ferns (Polypodiaceae) and spurges (Euphorbiaceae). Moulds were low.
Durban
All pollen and mould concentrations were low, or below the significant threshold. Trees detected included waxberry (Morella), gum (Myrtaceae) and forest elder (Nuxia). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae) and spurges (Euphorbiaceae).
Gqeberha
Low grass concentrations were recorded at this site and no tree or weed pollen was detected. Moulds were low.
Potchefstroom
Grasses were moderate, but tree and weed pollen was insignificant. Trees identified included bushwillow (Combretaceae), karee (Rhus/Searsia) and elm (Ulmaceae). Weeds were pigweed (Amaranthaceae), ragweed (Ambrosia) and the daisy family (Asteraceae). Moulds were low.
George
No significant pollen was measured from this sampling site. Trees detected were gum (Myrtaceae) and forest elder (Nuxia). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae), mugwort (Artemisia), spurges (Euphorbia), ferns (Polypodiaceae) and goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae). Moulds were insignificant but dominated by 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
