Sage

Value for beekeeping

Sages are one of Turkey's richest genera: about 100 species, nearly half of them endemic. The flowers of most species are shaped for bees; as a bee lands on the lower lip and reaches for the nectar, the anthers above brush pollen onto its back. Nectar flows freely on mild, sunny, slightly humid days.

Important species

• Salvia fruticosa (Greek sage): spring flow in the Aegean and Mediterranean maquis.
• S. tomentosa and S. sclarea (clary sage): early summer in inland and transitional regions.
• S. verticillata and S. virgata: flowering for a long time along roadsides and in pastures.
• S. officinalis: cultivated; the source of sage honey in Dalmatia.

Honey and pollen

Sage honey is usually light amber, aromatic and slightly herbal in taste. Pollen is collected in moderate amounts.

Note for the beekeeper

In the maquis, sage comes in April-May, before the thyme flow; it is a good site for spring build-up.