Kiwi beekeepers on the thorns of a dilemma
New Zealand is facing a dilemma and beekeepers' interests are at its heart. Gorse (Ulex europaeus), a spiky evergreen bush with bright yellow flowers, was introduced by European settlers, but is now classified as a pest in the Bay of Plenty and its destruction is encouraged.
The difficulty arises because gorse provides much-needed early pollen for honeybees (also an introduced species) which are vital to the region's kiwi fruit and avocado pollination. Estimates put the pollination contracts at over $NZ 8 million and the value to growers much higher still.
Gorse also happens to be a good nurse plant for native bush tree species; it provides a niche habitat for small birds; and it is an effective nitrogen fixer, improving soil fertility.
Bay of Plenty beekeepers are meeting their regional council to discuss the dilemma.
On a personal note, although I can understand why New Zealand considers gorse a weed, I was brought up amongst it and love its butterscotch-like scent and the colour it provides all year around. It's said in Ireland that gorse is in flower every month of the year.
The difficulty arises because gorse provides much-needed early pollen for honeybees (also an introduced species) which are vital to the region's kiwi fruit and avocado pollination. Estimates put the pollination contracts at over $NZ 8 million and the value to growers much higher still.
Gorse also happens to be a good nurse plant for native bush tree species; it provides a niche habitat for small birds; and it is an effective nitrogen fixer, improving soil fertility.
Bay of Plenty beekeepers are meeting their regional council to discuss the dilemma.
On a personal note, although I can understand why New Zealand considers gorse a weed, I was brought up amongst it and love its butterscotch-like scent and the colour it provides all year around. It's said in Ireland that gorse is in flower every month of the year.
posted by Turlough | 20:26
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