The pollen spectra of thirteen samples of propolis, eight collected in the state of Rio de Janeiro, two in Minas Gerais, one in Rio Grande do Sul and one in São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed. The methodology applied for extraction of pollen grains from propolis is proposed as a standard, in regard to pollen concentration and pollen morphology analysis. Plant families and genera were identified by pollen morphology; they characterize the geographical regions where propolis was obtained, as well as the habitat of forest, "capoeira" (arboreal savanna), fields and crops. The most frequent plant taxa determined were Eucalyptus, Compositae (mainly the Eupatorium pollen type) and Cecropia. This last genus, together with Ambrosia, Piper and Brosimum were the most common anemophilous pollen in our studied samples. Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia and Citrus have a well defined flowering period and may be considered as a seasonal source of propolis.
propolis; pollen; melissopalynology
