Undesirable Plants


 White titi, Cyrilla racemiflora L., often called sum-
mer titi, is a common small tree or shrub, found in
swamps and on stream banks from Highlands
County in central peninsular Florida northwards. It
blooms from May to July. It usually produces little
nectar, but in good years is considered undesirable
because the nectar and pollen are responsible for a
condition known as "purple brood." Apparently the
plant's products are responsible for killing the brood,
turning it a rich purple color. In areas where summer
titi abounds and there is a history of such problems
(Taylor and Jefferson Counties in the Florida pan-


handle), beekeepers routinely move their bees away
or feed colonies sugar syrup during the blooming
season. This plant should not be confused with spring
titi (buckwheat tree) found in the same areas, which
is an excellent honey plant and blooms in early
spring.
 Yellow jessamine, Gelsemium sempervirens (L.)
J. St. Hil., is a woody vine, occurring from Highlands
County in central peninsular Florida northwards. It
blooms from February to March. It has been reported
as being toxic to honey bees and responsible for
reducing colony strength in some areas.