Opened one of my hives Sunday to a surprise....bright orange propolis and lots of it. Any idea where they got it? I is not toxic because the hive is booming.
Steve
I don't know the answer to your question but I did find out propilis stains your fingers pretty good.
You got me curious, so I Googled it :) Here's what I found on http://www.ebeehoney.com/propolisinfo.html:
"Propolis is a sticky resin that seeps from the buds of some trees and oozes from the bark of other trees, chiefly conifers. The bees gather propolis, sometimes called bee glue, and carry it home in their pollen baskets. They blend it with wax flakes secreted from special glands on their abdomens. Propolis is used to slickly line the interior of brood cells in preparation for the queen's laying of eggs, a most important procedure. With its antiseptic properties, this propolis lining insures a hospital-clean environment for the rearing of brood.
Chemically speaking, propolis is a very complex mixture. Its chemical elements vary according to its source. Colors range from golden brown to brownish green to reddish brown to blackish brown. A broad analysis reveals approximately 55 percent resinous compounds and balsam, 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent ethereal and aromatic oils, and 5 percent bee pollen. Many flavonols contribute to propolis. Other components include cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, vanillin, caffeic acid, tetochrysin, isalpinin, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and ferulic acid."
asprince, Lots of things down in your area.
Remember, I am just above Macon.
Can you tell me any of these you don't have with in 3 to 4 miles of where you live?
Cukes, muskmelons, watermelons, squash, okra, cotton, corn, pumpkins.
O,T, did you know butter bean/Lima bean honey has a green tent? :)doak