Keanekaragaman Sumber Pakan Lebah Apis cerana Raflesia Apiari Desa Kuta Tengah dan Desa Gamber Kecamatan Simpang Empat Kabupaten Karo

Abstract

Identifying plant species and understanding the flowering season calendar of nectar- and pollen-producing plants as food for Apis cerana bees at the Raflesia Apiari farm, Kuta Tengah Village and Gamber Village, Simpang Empat Subdistrict, Karo Regency. The methodology included direct observation and recording of vegetation within 200-300 meters of the bee colony. It was found that there are 33 species of flowering plants in Kuta Tengah Village and Gamber Village. The common crops in Kuta Tengah Village are sweet oranges and coffee, while in Gamber Village there are corn and dragon fruit. The flowering schedule shows that some types, such as bananas, calliandra, and paper flowers, bloom all year round, while others only bloom during certain seasons. This diversity supports the availability of food for bee colonies and demonstrates the potential for developing agroforestry-based beekeeping in the area.