Bee-Friendly Plants

Heather Contains Natural Bumblebee Medicine

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

Katy

Recent Posts

Urban Beekeeping: A Buzzing Contribution to City Life

    Urban beekeeping is more than just a hobby; it's a significant contribution to…

11 months ago

Everything You Need to Know About Queen Bee

The queen bee is the most important member of a honeybee colony. She is responsible…

2 years ago

Beekeeping in February According to Your Location

Beekeeping in February can vary greatly depending on the location. In some areas, beekeepers are…

2 years ago

What is festooning and why bees are doing it?

  Festooning bees are an intriguing phenomenon observed in social bees, including honeybees and bumblebees.…

2 years ago

How Close Together Can Beehives Be Placed?

The question "How close together can beehives be placed?" is one of the most common…

5 years ago

Beekeeping in March: What is Happening And What Should be Done?

Many beekeepers are scared from this time of the year - the period of March…

5 years ago

This website uses cookies.