Ecology and pollen database of shrub and cultivated herbaceous plant species in Tehran: An ecological management and urban safety approach

Abstract

Ecology and pollen database of shrub and cultivated herbaceous plant species in Tehran: An ecological management and urban safety approach. Environmental Sciences. 20(1): 77-112. Results and discussion: The results of this study include the preparation of a native visual source about the pollen grains of 145 species of shrubs and cultivated herbaceous plant species in Tehran. These 145 plant species belong to 65 families, including 95 herbaceous species and 50 shrub species. Asteraceae (16 species) and Rosaceae (14 species) had the most species. Among the 131 studied genera, 43 genera were reported to be allergic. Asteraceae with 5 genera and Cupressaceae and Oleaceae with 3 genera had the highest frequency of allergenic species among the studied families. The results of this study showed that allergenic shrubs are more abundant than allergenic herbaceous plants. However, trees and shrubs have more allergenic effects due to more pollen production and wind pollination. The pollen grains of these species are usually small and can be scattered over long distances and have a longer durability in the air. The results of this study show that allergic pollens also have a high morphological diversity, however, the significant effect of pollen grain micro-morphological characteristics on allergies requires more extensive studies. Conclusion: The achievements of this study will serve as a pilot for the study of palynological study, especially in asthma and allergy in the country. The results of this study show that in Tehran, several plant species have been planted without considering allergenic considerations, which should be considered as an important warning for ecological managers of the city.