African Pollen Calendar
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Data for SOUTH AFRICA |
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January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December |
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Data
Source : South African Allergy Society [ ] |
In much of southern Africa, the most common pollens are
the .
Examples of common grass pollens found in this region include , ,
and .
Indeed, in southern Africa there are an estamated 947 indigenous and 115
naturalised grass species.The grass flowering seasons in South Africa
can be relatively long (up to 10 months due to the warm climate in the
grasslands, however, it should be noted that the grass pollen season is
confined mainly to the Spring in coastal regions) and thus induce hypersensitive
reactions throughout much of the year. [ ]
The major tree pollens in South Africa include ,
, ,
, eucalyptus,
and , which,
in contrast to the grass flowering season, have short flowering seasons
(see calendar above) and thus pollens from these trees cause identifiable,
seasonal hypersensitive reactions.
While weed pollens play an important role in seasonal allergies
on other continents, weeds are not thought to be as important in Southern
Africa. However, weeds such as
can be found and may induce allergic reactions. [ ]
South African Allergy Society :
Allergic rhinitis in South Africa: diagnosis and management.
Consensus Document : South African Allergic Rhinitis Working Group.
In South African Medical Journal, 1996; 86 : 1315-1328.
Can be consulted at :
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©
HON