This purported symbiosis was investigated by Barrett and Lamont in 1985, but no evidence of nitrogen fixing was found. Further investigation by Markey and Lamont in 1996 suggested that the discolouration is not caused by cyanobacteria or other microorganisms in the nectar, but is rather "a chemical phenomenon of plant origin". Their analyses indicated that the nectar had unusually high levels of sugar and free amino acids, but three of these species, including B. leptophylla, have since been shown to have normal nectar sugar compositions.
This purported symbiosis was investigated by Barrett and Lamont in 1985, but no evidence of nitrogen fixation was found. Further research by Markey and Lamont in 1996 determined that the discoloration is not due to microorganisms in the nectar, but rather a chemical process originating from the plant itself. Their analysis showed high levels of sugar and free amino acids in the nectar, with three species, including B. leptophylla, having normal nectar sugar compositions since then.