The above is a plant growing in a divider in Mumbai city. It is a weed. Along with the ornamental plants due to lack of proper care this plant has grown unhindered. It is called Amaranthus spinosus or Chawli bhaji. It is a strong aeroallergen.
Other plants spotted in Mumbai are
- castor oil or ricinus communis growing at the sides of the Nullahs or aqueducts,
- carica papaya or papaya tree. however, papaya trees have been stripped bare of their leaves due to the belief that they are helpful in the treatment of dengue;
- congress grass or parthenium.
- agreratum or neelam
- Durva grass or cynodon dacytlon, known as bermuda grass, Commonly used in Ganesha pooja
- raintree or Samania Saman
- coconut tree or cocos nucifera
- In the warm and humid climate of Mumbai, these allergens are present throughout the year.
- They are commonly seen in roadside areas, at the side of the railway tracks, gardens of educational campuses, offices and institutions, public gardens, lawns, plantations, etc
- other irritatants like petrol and diesel fumes, pollutants, dust add to the effect of these pollutants
TIPS TO PREVENT POLLEN ALLERGIES:
- Keep doors and windows closed early morning and late evening
- Don’t go for a walk at these times as pollen exposure will be more
- wear a mask while outside walking, and a full sleeve dress
- Immediately take a shower and put your clothes for washing on returning home, especially from a long day outside, to remove pollen stuck to your clothes and body
- wash hair regularly
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