This information originally appeared in Ministry of Agriculture 'Aglink' FPP 529 and FPP 530 (combined in this version). The author was A G Matheson, then Apicultural Advisory Officer for MAF Advisory Services, Nelson.

Nectar and Pollen Sources

Honey bees obtain all their nutritional requirements from the nectar and pollen of flowers, and in some instances the honeydew of other insects. During periods when these are not available bees must subsist on honey and pollen stored within the hive, or supplementary feed provided by the beekeeper.

Energy, in the form of sugars, is obtained from nectar and honeydew. Pollen provides the remainder of bees' diet protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. When supplementary feeding is required sugars (cane sugar or honey) can be provided by the beekeeper. Pollen supplements are more difficult to obtain, and pollen shortages limit bee- keeping in some parts of the country.

The critical period of the beekeeping year is spring. At this time bee colonies build up in population, from a low winter level before the main nectar flow beginning mid November to mid December (according to locality).

Early spring nectar and pollen sources such as willows, barberry and hawthorn, may provide a good beginning to this build-up period, if weather is suitable for bee flight. However, in most rural areas there is usually a scarcity of nectar and pollen in October and November. This necessitates supplementary feeding to produce crops of surplus honey. Planting of species which flower during this period is particularly desirable.

In many areas, land development has reduced the diversity of vegetation leading to a shortage of nectar and pollen, particularly during the critical spring period. This requires shifting apiaries to good spring areas or supplementary feeding of bees. However both these measures can be partially offset by planting appropriate nectar and pollen bearing trees.

There is a growing awareness among farmers and orchardists, as well as beekeepers, of the benefit of planting species for bees. Fortunately a number of shelter and erosion control plants have another use as well that of feeding bees.

Provision of a year-round supply of nectar and pollen is also important for encouraging the spread of bumble bees and solitary bees. Bumble bees are useful for boosting pollination of some crops, particularly red clover.

All nectar and pollen sources are of use to bumble bees, but particularly suitable ones include Fuchsia spp., ornamental apple blossom (Weigelia florida), ornamental Azalea spp., tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis), Rhododendron spp., Escallonia hedges, flowering currant (Ribes sanguinern) and horse chesnuts.

Further sources of information

Suitability of plants as nectar and pollen sources

Pellett, F.C. (1967): American Honey Plants. Fifth edition Dadant and Sons, Hamilton, Illinois, 467 pp. Lists many plants found in New Zealand.

Crane, E. (ed). (1975): Honey, a Comprehensive Survey. Heinemann, London, 608 pp. Contains a brief section on honey plants.

New Zealand native plants

Salmon, J.T. (1980): Native trees of New Zealand. Reed, Wellington, 384 pp.

Suitability as shelter

Explanation of Tables

Although many noxious plants are valuable for beekeeping, it is illegal to plant or cultivate them. Noxious plants schedules can vary between counties, so noxious plants officers of local authorities should be contacted for further information.

MAF advisers and commercial nurseries are able to provide further information about suitability of species particular areas.

The tables indicate:

Growth habit: Tree: Shrub; Herb; Vine. Final height is in metres.

Nectar and pollen: NP, used by bees more as a nectar source than a pollen source; PN, used more as a pollen source than a nectar source; P, pollen source only, N:P, equally valuable for nectar and pollen.

Surplus honey: S, indicates that surplus honey may be produced by bees working this source. Production of surplus honey depends on many factors, such as soil and air temperatures, moisture requirements, etc.