Ambrosia

Lot. Ambrosia

Annual or perennial herbaceous plants similar to sedge. In contrast to the hardy, the lower surface of the leaves is green, the stem is hairy, the male flowers are arranged in a candle-like inflorescence, the female flowers are formed in the axils of the leaves, the inflorescence is a scab. Blooms in August-October. Ambrosia plants do not grow by themselves in Lithuania. Native to North America, introduced to Europe, Asia, and Australia, invasive, spread through seed-infected bird food and grain-transporting equipment, mostly in ruderal and abandoned areas (roads, gravel pits, landfills, and construction sites). Two mature or accidentally introduced species are very rarely found: Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ambrosia trifida.

Main allergenic proteins: Amb a 1, Amb a 2, Amb a 3, Amb a 4, Amb a 5, Amb a 6, Amb a 7, Amb a 8, Amb a 9, Amb a 10, Amb a 11, Amb a 12, Amb p 5, Amb t 5. Other known allergenic proteins: Amb p 1, Amb t 8.

Causes "autumn hay fever". Pollen is very allergenic, a few pollens per m3 of air is enough. Often causes asthma, as well as dermatitis. Cross-reactions are possible with the pollen of sedge, sunflower, chamomile, Arnica and other Asteraceae. The main allergen is Amb a1.