Whether you are a honeybee keeper or a bee lover, you might be wondering, “What do bees pollinate that we eat?” Here are some of the most common food plants whose pollination is done by bees.
Contents
Peaches
Generally, the peaches that we eat are pollinated by honey bees. But there are many other pollinators.
Peach trees can be self-pollinating, or they can be pollinated by other peach trees. In both cases, a flower bud will develop in response to warm spring temperatures.
When a flower bud develops, pollen from the male part of the flower is transferred to the female part. This transfer of pollen results in fruit forming in the ovary. Some bees climb through the anthers to collect nectar. Others collect nectar on the side of the flower.
Peaches are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. They are also rich in dietary fiber.
Bananas
Several species of bananas are pollinated by bees. This is an evolutionary process that has been in place for over 50 million years.
Bananas are a monoecious species, meaning that they produce both male and female flowers. The male flowers have five stamens. The stamens are arranged in two circular circles.
The male flowers produce pollen. The female flowers are rich in nectar and produce fruit.
The female flower is divided into three sections. The inner circle contains two stamens and the outer circle contains three stamens.
The male and female flowers are separated on the same inflorescence. The male flowers open after the female bracts have opened.
Strawberries
Several species of insects are important for the pollination of strawberries that we eat. Honey bees are used as commercial pollinators for ericaceous fruits, such as strawberries. However, wild bees are preferable for field-grown strawberries. Honey bees also pollinate some other crops, such as currants and gooseberries.
The amount of autogamous and non-autogamous pollen on the flower can influence the size of the berry. Pollen from the stamens must make it to the pistil in the center of the flower. Pollen that fails to reach the pistil will result in smaller or misshapen berries.
Insect pollination of strawberries results in a greater number of larger, brighter, and sweeter fruits. Pollination can also reduce malformations and extend shelf life.
Nutmeg
Whether you’re looking to spice up your curries or add some spice to your next cocktail, nutmeg is a good choice. It has a mild lemon-carrot flavor that lends an interesting and intriguing flair to your dishes. In fact, this plant is the source of several culinary delights, including nutmeg butter and nutmeg coffee.
Fortunately, there are several species of nutmeg to choose from. These plants are grouped into two main categories: small-seeded and large-seeded. The small-seeded varieties are eaten by smaller birds, while the large-seeded species are consumed by spider monkeys. The small-seeded ones also rely on bees, butterflies and flies, but these are not the only pollinators that can help to produce a crop.
Coffee
Whether you enjoy a cup of coffee or not, bees are an important factor in coffee production. Not only do they pollinate coffee plants, but they can also play a role in the coffee harvest.
Bees are not the only pollinators of coffee, though. Other pollinators include butterflies, moths, and large flies. They all contribute to the production of coffee by increasing the size and quality of coffee beans.
One way to boost bee populations is to add honeybee hives to coffee farms. Alternatively, you can plant shade trees to give bees a natural habitat.
Researchers at the University of Vermont and the Center for Tropical Agricultural Innovation and Education (CATIE) tested four different scenarios. They tested whether excluding birds and bees from the growing process was beneficial to coffee plants. Their results showed that, without winged help, coffee farms would suffer a 25% drop in annual crop yields.
Ericaceous fruits
Despite being largely unknown in the wild, Ericaceae are a large plant group ranging from heaths to azaleas. They are a group of epiphytes that are found in tropical and temperate regions. Their flowers are stunningly beautiful. They are often cultivated for ornamental purposes and are sold in local markets. Some species are also used to make jams and pies.
Several species are grown in orchards and are pollinated by honey bees, which are often brought into orchards to assist in fruit set. They are inefficient pollinators of ericaceous fruits, however. Bumble bees are much more effective. They visit the flowers to feed and pollinate them, which results in fertilization.
