Alcoholic nectar and fermenting yeasts: Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ and Eucalyptus sideroxylon

The occurrence of ethanol and yeasts capable of fermenting nectar within flowers of Grevillea ‘Robyn ‘Gordon’ and Eucalyptus sideroxylon was investigated in an urban situation. Time of day proved crucial for collection of nectar from E. Sideroxylon. Ethanol occurred in the nectar of both species but yeasts were cultured only from G. ‘Robyn Gordon’. Candida globosa was identified and is known to ferment all sugars within nectar except xylose. Two species of non-fermenting Cryptococcus also were identified including C. laurentii which is known to colonise the bronchi of immune suppressed patients.