Melliferous plants of Işıklar (Ganos) Mountain (Tekirdağ)

Abstract

Located within the boundaries of the province of Tekirdağ, Işıklar (Ganos) Mountain, the second highest mountain in Thrace, is rich in plant diversity due to its geographical location. This highland stretches in the southwest-northeast direction from Tekirdağ to Sarköy. Reaching almost 924 meters above the sea level, it is located between 40°35' to 40°52' north latitude and 26°58' to 27°27' east longitude. The present work reveals the floristic richness of the mountain with special emphasis on the most melliferous taxa used by honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) for honey production in the region. The plants were collected during a 24-month period, photographed and taxonomically identified. Pollen preparations were examined, and a collection was established to serve as a reference source for use in identification of melliferous plants in honey in the future. Mostly from Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Brassicaceae and Boraginaceae 98 taxa from 33 families were listed. Of these, which plants reward bees with pollen, nectar and/or honeydew; and the potential to produce them were mentioned. Furthermore, the most represented and widespread taxa were highlighted. Pollen morphology of all taxa was presented.