Every spring, plane trees are an inseparable part of the urban landscape. With their leafy crown and their resistance to heat, they became icons of street and avenue trees. However, at this time also They become enemies of those who suffer from allergies, by releasing pollen and irritating fibers.
Inspired by European and American models, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento promoted the planting of resistant species, among them shade bananawhich multiplied rapidly.
For the “Father of Education”, they were ideal trees: they grew fast, provided good shade and withstood urban pollution. What he didn’t foresee was his most feared side effect: spring allergies.
The environmental benefits of banana
From an ecological point of view, the banana is a true natural purifier. Its dense canopy filters the air and retains particulate matter, one of the main causes of respiratory diseases. Besides, captures greenhouse gasesregulates temperature and creates habitats for birds and small mammals.
Therefore, although some municipalities seek to replace them, the objective is not to eradicate them but gradually replace the most irritating varieties for others that release less dust.
The origin of allergies
The problem lies in the biology of the tree. During spring, the plantain releases large amounts of pollen and filaments that irritate the nasal and ocular mucous membranes. According to the Argentine Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunologyhe 90% of the discomfort It comes from mechanical irritation—not allergic—and only 10% corresponds to true immunological reactions.
In Argentina, the critical period goes from mid-August to end of Octoberespecially on dry and windy days, when particles disperse more easily.
How to prevent and relieve symptoms
Specialists recommend simple measures to reduce exposure: avoid walking or exercising under flowering banana trees, keep the windows closed on windy days, use glasses and maskand clean the environments with damp cloth.
The allergist Ledit Ardusso clarifies that there are no medical reasons to cut down the species. The preventive pruning and frequent cleaning of sidewalks are enough to minimize the effects without losing the benefits of the tree.
Living with them: the necessary balance
Although bananas are unwanted protagonists every spring, their environmental value is undeniable. They resist pollution, provide shade, mitigate heat and purify the air. With proper planning and maintenance, they can remain part of the landscape without being a nightmare for allergy sufferers.
In short, bananas are as irritating as they are essentiala balance between nature and the city that Sarmiento, perhaps without knowing it, left as a green heritage to future generations.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
