Melliferous flora of Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: An underlying objective of this research was to contribute with the knowledge of the situation of the honey flora in Veracruz, for pollinators and to spread it for the benefit of beekepers, stingless beekeepers as well as to develop comprehensive strategies with these activities.

Design/methodology/approach: The information was obtained through a bibliographic review in reference databases as Scopus, Web of Science Group, Google academic, Elsevier and Springer Link, using the following keywords: flora, bees, pollinators, honey, pollen.

Results: 63 families were recorded, with 176 genera and 216 species of honey flora, finding that the largest number of species are arranged in the Fabaceae family (20%) and Asteraceae (16.55%). There were also 44 crops with 22 families.

Limitations on study/implications: There were no limitations in conducting this study.

Findings/conclusions: The greatest diversity of honey flora species are wild plants, strategies need to be implemented for their protection and multiplication, for these actions various actors must be involved at different levels of government, educational and private institutions, civil society, farmers, beekeepers, and stingless beekeeping. Conservation actions include the use of honey plants in gardens and their protection in crops, sites surrounding crops and on edges. It is necessary to preserve natural landscapes and restore damaged ones, as well as to lead favorable practices in pollinator-dependent crops.

Keywords: flora, bees, pollinators, honey, pollen