A Study of the Anemophilous Plants of Puerto Rico

Abstract

1. A survey of the flora of Puerto Rico has disclosed the existence of certain anemophilous plants which may be of potential danger to allergic individuals. There are no reports, however, of clinical studies of the pollen allergies caused by these plants. 2. Some of the wind-pollinated species growing in Puerto Rico are identical with those of the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Cuba, and Bermuda. It has been determined in the latter locations that many of these plants cause pollinosis. Other island plants are related to the allergenic species of those countries; and still others, although unrelated, contribute a large amount of pollen to the atmosphere. Thus, they may prove to be definite factors in pollen allergy. 3. The anemophilous plants are discussed, and comparisons are made. Lists of the grasses, herbaceous plants, and trees and shrubs of probable allergenicity are presented 4. This investigation suggests as a basis for future clinical study the relationship between the uninvestigated anemophilous plants of Puerto Rico and the allergenic plants of North, Central, and South America