Given that bees like Eucalyptus flowers, can the bees spread pollen from Eucalyptus to other trees and plants?
Many Eucalyptus species are adapted for insect pollination, with bees being the predominant pollinator. The potential for bees to spread pollen from Eucalyptus is limited to a relatively short distance, however. Under ideal conditions of humidity and temperature, viable Eucalyptus pollen can only be found within approximately 300 feet (100 meters) from the edge of the nearest tree stand. Studies have verified that bees (Apis spp.) are the most effective pollinators of Eucalyptus, with activity increasing up to 300 feet from the beehive, and decreasing after this distance. Also, it is important to note that ArborGen’s Freeze Tolerant Eucalyptus contain a pollen control gene, inhibiting the Eucalyptus to produce pollen.
