Tree and grass pollens in South Africa

The following table outlines the main trees and grasses in South Africa, where they are found and when their pollen seasons are.

TreesRegionPollen season
Eucalyptus spp. (Blue Gum)Mainly in Gauteng, but scattered throughout SAMore or less all year round, except in the Cape. Pollen not very prolific.
Acacia spp.All areasAugust to December
Willows (Salix spp.)All areasVery little pollen, as only female trees have been imported.
Pine trees (Pinus spp.)All areasLate August
Yellowwoods (Podocarpus spp.)Mostly in the CapeMid-October
Oak trees (Quercus spp.)Mostly in the CapeVaries - mostly late August
Stinkwood (Ocotea bullata)Western CapeOctober
Cypress and Juniper (Cupressus and Juniperus spp.)All areasAugust, September
Plane (Platanus spp.)Many urban areasMainly September
GrassesRegionPeak pollen period
Meadow grass or Kentucky Blue Grass (Poa annua)Coastal areas, interior except Western and Northern borderAugust, September
Bermuda Grass or Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon)All areasSeptember to May
Common Reed (Phragmites spp.)All areasAugust
Rooigras (Themeda triandra)All areas except western Northern CapeJune to November
Love Grass (Eragrostis spp.)All areasAugust to February
Thatching grass (Hyparrhenia spp.)Mainly northern and eastern parts of the countrySeptember to February
Kikuyu (Pennisetum setaceum)Most urban areasSeptember to February
Rye Grass (Lolium spp.)Southern, eastern and northern parts of the countrySeptember to November

Provided by ArmMed Media
Revision date: July 7, 2011
Last revised: by Andrew G. Epstein, M.D.