THE MAGIFICENT YELLOW BOX

Eucalyptus melliodora

This stunning tree is highly sort after by Beekeepers, and it is undoubtedly one of the most valuable nectar -yielding resources.

It is a middle -sized tree mostly found on private farmland with only Red Gum outnumbering its distribution.

The bark is outside brownish grey, inside yellowish it covers the most part and sometimes the entire trunk of the tree. The upper limbs, smooth and pale.

The wood is yellow very hard when dry.

The leaves are narrow, not very long and tend to be dull green on both sides.

Flowers are frow 4-7 in a cluster, they create a honey scent which is why the yellow was also known as the Honey Scented Eucalypt.

It is not found in high rainfall areas and rarely in high elevations.

It blossoms every second year but in large populations of Yellow Box it is possible for bees to work the same area just working different trees.

The pollen is not attractive to bees therefore beekeepers need to ensure adequate pollen supplies or secondary sources of pollen are accessible to bees, so health of bees is maintained.

Honey yields can be up to 30-50kg from each hive which is why it is considered a valuable resource for beekeepers.

Honey is light amber colour, dense, aromatic with a pronounced flavour.