Flowers

Flowers are the foundation of life for bees, providing the nectar and pollen essential for their survival. In return, bees serve as critical pollinators, ensuring the reproduction of flowering plants and the stability of ecosystems worldwide. The intricate relationship between bees and flowers extends beyond mere sustenance—pollination supports biodiversity, maintains food security, and drives agricultural economies. However, habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change threaten both bees and the flowers they rely on, disrupting this delicate balance. To combat these threats, conservationists and farmers are increasingly advocating for bee-friendly plantings, ensuring a continuous floral supply throughout the seasons. Selecting the right flowers—those rich in nectar and pollen—is paramount, as not all blooms offer the same nutritional value.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

In Costa Rica, a biodiversity hotspot, the relationship between native flowers and bees is particularly striking. The country is home to a vast array of flowering plants, many of which are essential to Melipona bees—stingless bees known for their superior pollination efficiency and medicinal honey. Unlike common honeybees, Melipona species are uniquely adapted to pollinate tropical plants such as passionflowers, guava, and the intricate blooms of the native inga trees. Encouraging the growth of bee-friendly flora, such as Heliconias, Poro trees, and native orchids, can enhance bee populations while strengthening ecological resilience. On organic farms, maintaining a diverse floral landscape year-round is not just an ethical choice but a necessity—one that ensures the survival of pollinators and the productivity of crops.