Botanical origin of honey from south of Caldén district (Argentina)

Abstract

We performed palynological analysis of 75 honey samples from the south of Caldén district, which is the part of the phytogeographical province del Espinal. Prosopis caldenia, "caldén" (Fabaceae) is the dominant arboreal species in this region. 79 pollen types that belong to 36 plant families were identified. Honeydew elements are absent or present in negligible amounts. Native flora is intensely utilized. Main nectar sources that characterize monofloral honey samples, are these natives Condalia microphylla (Rhamnaceae), Prosopis sp. and Vicia sp. (Fabaceae), Larrea divaricata (Zygophyllaceae) and Brassicaceae, which are foreign to the area. The pollen from these plants along with the pollen of Trichocline sp. (Asteraceae) and Prosopidastrum globosum (Fabaceae), Schinus fasciculatus (Anacardiaceae), Astereae and Lycium sp. (Solanaceae), characterize honey from Caldén.