Jenis Pakan Lebah dan Kalender Pembungaan Tanaman Hias di Taman Margasatwa Simalingkar Kabupaten Deli Serdang

Abstract

Unpredictable and prolonged dry or rainy seasons disrupt the flowering cycles of plants, resulting in insufficient natural food availability for honey bees. If this condition persists, it causes various developmental and health issues in honey bee colonies, leading to reduced production, vulnerability to various diseases and predators, population decline, and even abandonment of their nests. This research aims to identify the types of flowering feed plants in Medan Wildlife Park and to determine the flowering periods of bee feed plants in the park. The data used in this study include primary and secondary data. The method used is direct observation to monitor flowering plants. The data collected for this research includes observations of flowering plants, types of feed plants, plant habitus, and nectar, pollen, and resin-producing plants. It was found that there are 24 types of plants that serve as food sources for bees, predominantly trees. Plants that flower throughout the year include Coleus, Crepe jasmine, Asoka, Bougenville, Starfruit, Crossandra, African tulip, Mexican petunia, Garden balsam, African arrowroot, Sunset bells, and Crepe ginger. Seasonal flowering plants include Water apple, Tamanu, Royal palm, Avocado, Matoa, Jamaican cherry, Flame violet, Red lip, Devil’s cotton and Guava.