I read in a book by Dr De Cleene that nectar and honey from bees that flew on Rhododendron is toxic to humans (diterpene andromedotoxin is the culprit). Yet the FASFC knows of no reported cases and it also appears to be a question among beekeepers. Bees apparently don’t fly on it very often (value 1 which means few bees are seen on it) according to beekeeperpedia. You can read stories on the internet about honey from Turkey, but FASFC does not endorse this. Belgium is full of Rhododendron (especially the invasive Pontic). How should I interpret this as a novice beekeeper and garden enthusiast? Is the risk/dose so small and negligible? Are there other aspects that contribute to the fact that it does not pose a risk or does not occur in practice?
Answer
Dear Heidi,
I have little knowledge about this myself, but I have been informed by fellow experts. Below their answer:
There are many other flowers that bloom at the same time, and that also stay in bloom for longer, so that the bees absorb more nectar over the course of the season.
Answered by
Dr. Francis Merburg
Biology, Environmental technology, Microbial techniques, Water purification, Biomass
http://www.ugent.be
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