We decided to go away for Auckland anniversary weekend. So while I was out and out in the Coromandel bush pursuing another one of my hobbies (Locating treasure with a GPS device or Geocaching).
I had heard that Tutin in honey is more of a problem in the Coromandel Peninsular. I managed to find quite a bit of it on my tramp/walk with Snow our dog.
Tutin is a native plant in New Zealand, which can produce toxic honey. Toxic honey is a rare event and is more likely to occur when comb honey is eaten directly from a hive that has been harvesting honeydew from passion vine hoppers feeding on tutu plants. The resulting nectar produces toxic honey, which if consumed in large quantities can cause issues for humans. It causes no ill effects to the bees. The insect that feeds on the Tutin tree is known as a “fluffy bum”, Latin name Scolypopa australis.
It’s a good idea to watch these trees in your local area for any signs of the fluffy bums on the Tutin Tree. This is a good sign that your honey may contain toxic nectar. If you sell your honey commercially you are required by law to get it tested before sale. It’s probably not a bad idea to get I’m tested anyway, if you live in high risk area. Do you really want to poison your kids or friends?
I didn’t spot any “fluffy bums” on the Tutin today, the only fluffy bum I saw was on our dog “snow” but she doesn’t count.
Something had been feasting on some if the trees, but looks more like caterpillar damage according to our resident gardener Margaret.
I’d you are based in the Waiomu area here are some GPS locations of Tutin that I found in your area to observe.
S 37 01.583 E 175 32.650
S 37 01.567 E 175 32.590
S 37 01.610 E 175 32.083
S 37 01.593 E 175 31.748
S 37 01.578 E 175 31.674
You can type these in Google Earth if you don’t have a GPS Device.
You will often find Tutin on the side of steams or rivers, go out and see if you can spot any. Can you see any fluffy bums? Comment here if you do with the general area.
We inspected our hives when we got back as well, so have also uploaded some Bee photos.
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About Gary Fawcett
Gary enjoys designing new kiwimana products which we sell through our on-line shop. He is passionate about saving the Bees and encouraging urban beekeeping. Gary loves to write about issues that affect the Bees and our environment. He is also into tramping/walking in the beautiful New Zealand bush.
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Tutin contamination of honey, particularly comb honey, is a problem anywhere in New Zealand north of Kaikoura. Low risk areas for the production of tutin contaminated honey are only in the South Island below latitude 42 degrees South including all offshore islands below latitude 42 degrees South.
All producers of honey products destined for human consumption need to comply with the Tutin in Honey Food Standard. You can download a copy here:
http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/industry/tutin-honey-standard-2010.pdf
The compliance guide for this standard details just how dangerous tutin can be to humans:
http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/industry/tutin-compliance-guide-2010.pdf
From Page 5 of this guide: Ingestion of tutin can be lethal, or make a person very unwell. It is generally accepted that as little as 1 teaspoon (approximately 10 ml) of toxic honey can have a severe effect on the human nervous system. Symptoms include vomiting, delirium, giddiness, increased excitability, stupor, coma and violent convulsions.
Not something to be taken lightly, particularly by honey producers, commercial and amateur alike.
Thanks for the feedback Aaron, yes it is a major worry for bee keepers…See ya…Gary