Apis cerana is the Asian Hive Bee, or Asian Honey Bee, the counterpart of our bees in Asia. It is the only other managed species of honey bees, in addition to our bees (Apis mellifera).
Camellia sinensis, Theaceae. The plant which produces our alternative to coffee, tea. Bees love this plant for its pollen and probably also plenty of nectar. Shot at a research station of FAFU.
Brassica rapa, Brassicaceae.
This particular one is one with red stem and leaves and used as a vegie in South China. Usually eating its shoots when it just starts to flower. 红菜苔.
Typha latifolia, Typhaceae.
Common names: broadleaf cattail, bulrush, common bulrush, common cattail, cat-o'-nine-tails, great reedmace, cooper's reed, cumbungi.
from Tuesday 18 November 2008 to Saturday 1 October 2011
14 photos
Eurya spp, Pentaphylacaceae. Formerly in the tea family (Theaceae), now moved to this one. There are about 80 species of Eurya in China. Most honey produced are from Apis cerana, because during bloom (Nov to Jan) it is usually too cold for A. mellifera to forage on this flowers.
from Monday 20 September 2010 to Friday 1 December 2023
7 photos
Fatsia japonica, Araliaceae. A commonly planted plant in China. Common names include fatsi, paperplant, false castor oil plant, or Japanese aralia, Its Chinese name is 八角金盘。
Schefflera heptaphylla, Araliaceae. I took these photos today (Nov 18, 2023)! At the Guangdong Zoology Institute. I did not know this plant was right here! A very important winter nectar plant for bees in Southern China. Honey during this time of the year is mainly this plant and many species of Eurya (Theaceae). Chinese names are 鸭脚木(duck feet tree), 鹅掌柴(goose palm wood), 八叶五加 (eight leaved aralia)。