Where Bees Get Their Buzz: Caffeine-Laced Nectar

[arb0526]

A new study shows that the naturally caffeine-laced nectar of some plants enhances the learning process for bees, so that they are more likely to return to those flowers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/08/scien ... .html?_r=0

[pholcomb]

Saw this article today. Pretty neat. And just last weekend I planted two tea plants (Camellia sinensis) that I bought from Camforest Nursery in Chapel Hill. Will be interesting to see how vigorously the bees forage them.

Paul

[Wally]

Upped my adrenalin just to see a new member make their first post.

THANK YOU

[Jacobs]

I'll second the welcome and toast it with a cup of black coffee!

[dwbicefam]

I've been wanting to grow tea, who knew the bees like it too! Thanks for the local source for tea plants.
CB

[pholcomb]

I assume they like it. I know they love the winter-flowering camellias, such as camellia japonica. My neighbors have kept my bees fed with beautiful yellow camellia pollen all winter.

Paul