Summary
The rain and storms across South Africa, together with low temperatures have resulted in reduced pollen and mould in the atmosphere. No significant concentrations were recorded.
Cape Town
The low pollen concentrations are continuing, in keeping with the inclement weather conditions. Trees detected included cypress (Cupressaceae), beech (Fagus spp.), pine (Pinaceae) cedar (Cedrus spp.), forest elder (Nuxia spp) and yellowwood (Podocarpaceae). Weeds identified included goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae), plantain (Plantaginaceae) mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Moulds were low.
Calvinia
The spore trap is not operating so no findings are available.
Johannesburg
Low tree, grass and weed pollen concentrations were found at this site. Trees were birch (Betulus), cypress (Cupressaceae), beech (Fagaceae), gum (Myrtaceae and, karee (Rhus/Searsia spp.). Weeds were spurges (Euphorbiaceae), and slangbos (Stoebe-type). Moulds were low.
Pretoria
Pollen concentrations declined further during this cold mid-winter period. Trees detected were only beech (Fagaceae) and no weeds were seen. Moulds were low.
Bloemfontein
Pollen concentrations were very low at this sampling site. Trees detected were sumac (Anacardiaceae), cypress (Cupressaceae), olive (Oleaceae), poplar (Populaceae) and karee (Rhus/Searsia spp.). Weeds were erica (Ericaceae). Moulds were very low.
Kimberley
This sample did not reach the laboratory and last week’s findings are repeated here. Very low pollen concentrations were seen at this site. No grass pollen was detected. Trees were birch (Betulus), monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria angustifolia) and pine (Pinaceae). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae) and nettle (Urticaceae). Mould spores were low.
Durban
Very low pollen concentrations were seen at this site. No grass pollen was detected. Trees were birch (Betulus), monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria angustifolia) and pine (Pinaceae). Weeds were the daisy family (Asteraceae) and nettle (Urticaceae). Mould spores were low. These results are a repeat of last week as the pollen strip for this week was not received for analysis.
Gqeberha
Low pollen concentrations were found for trees grasses and weeds. Trees detected were guarri (Euclea spp.), waxberry (Morella spp.) and karee (Rhus/Searsia spp.). Weeds were katstert (Anthospermum spp.) and the daisy family (Asteraceae). Moulds were low.
Potchefstroom
Tree, grass and weed pollen concentrations at this site were low. Trees identified included cypress (Cupressaceae), mulberry (Moraceae), gum (Myrtaceae) and karee (Rhus/ Searsia). Weeds were ragweed (Ambrosia spp,) ferns (Polypodiaceae) and nettles (Urticaceae). Moulds were low.
