Most interesting Richard,

I don't know if we are talking about the same thing or not but we are
experiencing the same sort of thing here in England. Out in Surrey my father
first noticed this 3 years ago (after 30 years of beekeeping), and I had it
for the first time last year in North London.

The honey in question is, as you say, slimy jelled and thick, deep brown/red
colour, strong flavour which I say reminds me of josticks as it has quite a
heavy perfumed smell and taste. Like you it was first present in patches in
frames, and now is coming in in superfuls. My da reckons this year it
accounts for over a third of his honey. He worries that people will think it
must be imported because it is so unlike anything he ever produced before.

Also, like you, many have suggested it is japanese bamboo or russian vine
(both related to the buckwheat, I gather) but he is adamant that it comes in
too early for that. The flow for him finishes around the 3rd week in July
and these plants are flowering later. I too have it in supers that I had
over clearer boards by August.

It smells (to me) exactly like water or indian balsam but I am told that
produces a light coloured honey (don't know about the flavour). Perhaps we
are getting a blend here. Whatever it is we never used to get it until
recent years.

One other thought, we are getting some hot late summer weather and possibly
this may be giving a flow from something that has gone unnoticed before.

Lastly, there are a number of exotic trees that are being extensively
planted in Southern England along suburban roads which flower at this time:
Pride of India and Chinese Bee Tree (can't remember let alone spell their
names) to name two.

We would dearly love to have an answer to this question. What do others have
to say.
Madeleine Pym
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