Date-plum
A dioecious tree of Black Sea and Caucasian forests whose small bell flowers give nectar in May-June; also grown as a rootstock for persimmon.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Low
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 10-20 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
🐝 Add to my apiary
Log in to add it to your apiary.Value for beekeeping
Date-plum is a tree that grows wild in moist forests and valley bottoms in the eastern Black Sea region and the Caucasus, a close relative of the Japanese persimmon. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Its small, greenish-cream or reddish, bell-shaped flowers secrete nectar and are visited by honey bees; pollen comes only from male trees.
Flowering
It flowers between late May and June, for about 2-3 weeks. As the flowers stay under the leaves, they are easily overlooked.
Honey and pollen
It is not known as a monofloral honey; it contributes to late-spring mixed honey in the Black Sea region. Nectar measurements specific to the species are limited.
Note for the beekeeper
It is widely used as a rootstock for Japanese persimmon saplings; shoots from the rootstock can grow into flowering trees over time. The fruit turns sweet once dried and is eaten locally. Scattered trees near the apiary should be seen as a small supplementary source.