New research published in the journal “Current Biology” shows that preserving heather (Calluna Vulgaris) could have privileges for wild bees. The study shows that its nectar contains bumblebee medicine. This medicine is really helpful against a deadly bee parasite.
For wild bees, heather is the most important foraging plant. These bees are facing the burden that diseases, habitat loss, and pesticides bring. Besides heather, lime and strawberry trees are also helpful and are providing the needed medicine for wild bees.
Heather is characteristic of moorland and heathland. Here, it represents a significant source of nectar for many pollinators, especially wild bees. Therefore, people’s actions cause constant loss and deprivation of heathlands – resulting in losses of this big medicinal plant for the pollinators.
What did the researchers discover about heather?
Plants for medicinal properties that could protect pollinators in the wild were investigated by the researchers from Kew and Royal Holloway, University of London.
Researchers tested the nectar from 17 plants, including heather. The test questioned the existence of medicinal effects on a parasite found in the stomach of bumblebees. As the results show, its nectar has the most intensive effect. This effect is a result form a single chemical, “callunene”. This chemical is a part of this plant’s honey, therefore, scientists need to develop the research further. In fact, this chemical could bring benefits to humans.
Source: BBC