Paul writes of the irony of a plant being a favorite of bees on the one hand and a source of insecticide on the other. This is certainly ironic but not unfamiliar. We have discussed in the past the fact that plants produce toxins in some parts while producing wholesome fruit or nectar in others. 

Tobacco is a perfect example. The leaves contain nicotine but the nectar is a favorite of hummingbirds. Many excellent nectar and pollen plants have leaves that would kill the visitors were they to eat them, but they don't. Also, plants and insects manipulate each other through natural selection. 

We find some pollinators that are immune to nectar toxins while other visitors to the same plants can't tolerate the chemicals. We find some plants that are able to ward off pests up to a point, and then succumb to the predations of animals that have or have developed tolerance to the ill effects.

Biology is fascinating in that it does not consist of one unifying force (nature) but a myriad of players, many at odds with one another, and many that have worked out interesting truces or even complex mutual relationships. Sounds like a great topic for an article!

PLB

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