Nectar secretion and honey production potential of Schefflera abyssinica (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Harms, Araliaceae

This study was conducted to determine the nectar secretion dynamics, honey production potential, and the number of bee colonies required to be placed in a hectare of Schefflera abyssinica forest. One day prior to nectar removal, five inflorescences were covered with fine mesh bags on different parts of the tree one day before measuring. Fifty flowers per tree were randomly selected from the five covered inflorescences and nectar volume was measured. Nectar volume and concentration were measured with a 1 hour interval. The average nectar volume (mu l) per flower in 24h, average nectar concentration and amount of sugar per flower/season, sugar amount per tree, honey per tree, and honey potential per hectare for S. abyssinica were 11.6, 25.6%, 17.78 kg, 8.85 kg, 10.79 kg, and 17.91 kg respectively. The actual harvestable amount of honey was half of the potential (895.5 kg/ha). Total financial return was estimated to be $6268.50 based on a value of $7/kg of S. abyssinica honey. Mean nectar volume and concentration varied significantly with time of day. Nectar volume and concentration were positively correlated with temperature. One hectare of productive trees of S. abyssinica holds 56, 36, or 20 honeybee colonies for traditional, transitional, and frame hive, respectively. Due to its high potentiality, monofloral honey can be produced from this species wherever it is found abundantly. Therefore, propagation and in-situ conservation of this species is also recommended for sustainable honey production and environmental conservation.