Loquat
One of the few fruit trees flowering in early winter; on Mediterranean coasts its November-January nectar and pollen support midwinter brood.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 5-10 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Loquat is one of the few fruit trees that flower at the start of winter. On the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts it gives nectar and pollen when there are no other sources, supporting midwinter brood. Its white flowers are gathered in hairy, dense clusters and are strongly scented.
Flowering
It flowers from November to January; bees work it intensively on mild, sunny days. Since flight drops below about 10-12 °C, how much they can use it depends largely on the weather.
Honey and pollen
The winter flow is usually consumed in the hive; a separate honey is rarely taken. Pollen is collected in moderate amounts.
Note for the beekeeper
On the coasts of Antalya, Mersin, Hatay and the Aegean, loquat orchards and scattered garden trees provide fresh food for overwintering colonies. Planting a few trees around the apiary helps late-winter build-up. Some recent botanical sources list the species under the name Rhaphiolepis bibas.