Storax
In Aegean and Mediterranean maquis its fragrant, drooping white flowers open in April–May and are visited by bees; a moderate spring source.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 2-7 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
🐝 Add to my apiary
Log in to add it to your apiary.Value for beekeeping
Storax is a shrub or small tree growing in the maquis of western and southern Anatolia, in stream beds and at the edges of Turkish red pine forests. Its drooping, bell-shaped, white and pleasantly scented flowers are visited by bees, which take both nectar and pollen. In valleys where it forms dense stands it makes a notable contribution to spring build-up.
Flowering
It flowers in April–May and stays in bloom for about two to three weeks. In coastal areas this period can fall in the gap after early sources such as plum and almond have finished and before thyme and rockrose are fully open.
Honey and pollen
No honey specific to this species is produced; its nectar goes into mixed spring honey. Few measurements of its nectar and pollen value exist; the values given are based on observation.
Note for the beekeeper
Its Turkish name, meaning prayer-bead tree, comes from its hard, round seeds, which were once used to make prayer beads. Sparing it when maquis areas are cleared increases the diversity of spring forage.