Broad-leaved paperbark
A peeling-barked tree of Australian wetlands; it gives abundant nectar and pollen in the cool season, and its honey is sold in Florida and Australia.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Good
- Flowering
- Flowering time varies with region and rainfall.
- Height
- 8-20 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Broad-leaved paperbark is a tree of the swamps and wet lowlands of Australia's east coast, with white bark that peels off in layers. Its creamy white bottlebrush flowers give plenty of nectar and pollen; it is an important honey source both in its native range and in Florida, where it was introduced. Flowering in the cool season, when other sources are scarce, makes it especially valuable for colonies.
Flowering
In Australia it flowers mainly in autumn and winter; the start and length vary by locality.
Honey and pollen
The honey is amber with a distinct, characteristic aroma. The sharp, unpleasant smell that comes from the hives while the nectar is ripening during flowering is well known among beekeepers.
Note for the beekeeper
In the Florida Everglades it is a serious invasive species that covers wetlands, and biological control is used there. Niaouli essential oil is obtained from its leaves. It has no importance for beekeeping in Turkey or Europe; the entry is for information.