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Subject:
From:
David Morris <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 23 Nov 1997 18:50:12 -0500
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Marian Pintilie asked whether the Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia) grows
on other continents.
 
"I'd rather say Europe instead of Hungary. I am from Romania,
and here is the same thing.Pure  Acacia honey never cristalize.
And for sure Black Locust tree grow in other european countries
I'm curious, this tree did not grow on other continents?"
 
The black locust tree is native to the eastern half of the North American
continent.  According to F.N. Howes' book "Plants and Beekeeping", the tree
was taken to Europe in about 1640.  It is an excellent wood for fence posts,
being very resistant to rot, but the irregular grain keeps it from being a
good lumber wood.  It also is an excellent firewood.
 
The black locust is a favored nector source here too.  It comes early in the
spring (late April - early May) so your hives have to strong early.  But it
is not a reliable source; some say it delivers a surplus only one year in
five.  What is the European experience in this regard?  Some years the tulip
poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and the black locust overlap making it
difficult to get a pure black locust honey.  However, there has been some
discussion here lately about the failure of the tulip poplar flow in recent
years.  It had been a mainstay, now it seems to be missing from our spring
nectar flow.  Both honeys crystalize very slowly.
 
Regards,
David Morris
Laurel, MD, USA

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