A melissopalynological study of 54 Louisiana (U.S.A.) honeys

Pollen analyses were made of 54 commercial Louisiana (U.S.A.) honeys collected during 1967–1968. Fifty-eight different pollen types were identified. A direct correlation was assumed between a plant's pollen quantity and its nectar contribution. On this basis, the major Louisiana honey plants that were determined are: Fabaceae, predominantly Trifolium repens (99%), Rubus, Berchemia scandens, and Salix. Plants established as important for their nectar contributions in isolated samples are: Cephalanthus occidentalis, Sapium sebiferum, miscellaneous Compositae (Asteraceae), Glycine max, and Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Native plants such as Rubus, Berchemia scandens, and Salix contribute more to Louisiana's honey sources than do cultivated plants or introduced plants. Most samples originated from six to fifteen different plant types and thus do not appear to be of particularly diverse botanical origin. The pollen types that indicate late spring, summer, or fall honeys include: Glycine max, Cassia fasciculata, Polygonum, Lagerstroemia indica, Lythrum, Ampelopsis, Trachelospermum difforme, and others. Thirty-one samples could be considered unifloral honeys. Most Louisiana honeys were a clear color and from nectar of flowers and not honeydew.