Here in South Florida the bees get a nice treat during late September through early November, a large fall honey flow from the Brazilian pepper trees. This honey has a nice golden color and the flavor is mild with a slight “kick” to it, however it is not spicy as some may think because of the name. I actually prefer it over orange blossom honey.
It is such a large honey flow that the bees will swarm if you don’t split them ahead of time. So we use the long Labor Day weekend to make our splits and prevent swarming.
Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), also called Florida Holly, is an invasive species originating from South America. It is actually illegal to cultivate, sell or transport the seeds and plant. It is a very fast growing tree that spreads quickly and overtakes other native vegetation. It is very hard to eradicate because of how easy it proliferates.
Despite the negative perception many people have about the trees, we like them because our bees love them. We fully understand the environmental impacts is has had on native plants, but at the same time with honey bees on the decline, they need food sources too. This tree provides a great amount of honey for them to store and survive on during winter when not many other flowers are blooming.
Brazilian pepper flowers
Close up of Brazilian pepper flowers, they are very tiny.
Do you think this is a bee? Well, you’re wrong! It is a Drone Fly. They mimic the look of a bee to prevent predators from eating them.
Brazilian pepper seeds. This is how it got the nickname Florida Holly.
Lots of brood still being produced in fall.
Even drones being produced too!
Capped Brazilian pepper honey waiting to be extracted.
Look at that beautiful golden honey – liquid gold.
Beelievable 