Why is pollen in Camellia oleifera inedible to honeybees?

J Integr Plant Biol. 2024 Nov;66(11):2307-2309. doi: 10.1111/jipb.13787. Epub 2024 Oct 16.

Abstract

This Commentary examines a recent study that addressed a long-standing controversy: Is the lethal effect of Tea-oil Camellia on honeybee larvae due to nectar or pollen toxicity? Flowers of Camellia oleifera are adapting to bird pollination, evolving 'anti-bee' traits such as theasaponin-containing pollen, which is toxic to bee larvae.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bees / drug effects
  • Bees / physiology
  • Camellia* / physiology
  • Larva / physiology
  • Pollen* / physiology
  • Pollination / physiology