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Beech honeydew: forest produce.
Authors: L. R. CrozierPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1981, Issue N.Z.J.For. 26(2) 1981, pp 200-209, Aug 1981
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: New Zealand beech honeydew is a viscous, sugary substance excreted by a soft scale insect (Ultracoelostoma assimile), which commonly feeds on the sap of the New Zealand beeches (Nothofagus spp.). Honeydew nourishes sooty mould fungi, insects, and nectar feeding birds, and is the source of honeydew honey, a readily saleable export commodity. Heavy infestations of scale insects occur on beech trees in the northern half of the South Island and have been shown to decline with increasing altitude and to be lower on the southern aspect of trees. Honeydew honey can be distinguished from floral honey by its darker colour, distinctive flavour and composition. There appears to be considerable potential for an increase in the production of honeydew honey which would enable the present level of export to Europe to be raised.