Terebinth

Value for beekeeping

Terebinth is a dioecious, wind-pollinated tree; its flowers have neither petals nor nectar. The reddish flower clusters of male trees release plenty of pollen, and honey bees collect it in spring. Its pollen value is moderate.

Flowering

In April-May, together with the new leaves; flowering is short. It is common in maquis and oak woodland in the Aegean, Mediterranean and south-eastern Anatolia, and is also used as a rootstock for pistachio (Pistacia vera).

Honey and propolis

As it gives no nectar, it does not contribute to honey. The trunk and leaves contain an aromatic resin; bees are reported to use this resin for propolis, but its importance varies from region to region.

Note for the beekeeper

The horn-shaped galls seen on leaves and branches are the work of aphids; since these aphids live inside closed galls, they are not a honeydew source for beekeeping.