Objective Information on the species diversity and spatial distribution of nectar-producing plants in National Wuyishan Nature Reserve was collected for promoting the beekeeping industry, increasing the honey production, enriching the residents’ income in the surrounding communities. In addition, it might aid on the planning of a pilot bee releasing project at the Reserve.
Method By foot survey and plant sociology techniques, the species, quantity, and distribution of nectar-producing plants in the National Wuyishan Nature Reserve were gathered. The diversity and vertical distribution pattern of the plants in the wild were subjected to variance analysis, cluster analysis, and β diversity measure.
Result In the Reserve, there were 338 species of plants that produced nectars for honey bees. They belonged to 149 genera in 61 families and were mainly auxiliary, rather than major plants. The plants flowered mostly in spring, less in autumn and winter. Their potential honey-producing value was estimated to be medium to high. The distribution and numbers of families and genera of these nectar-producing plants were similar at elevations below 1,200m but differed significantly comparing to 1,200-1,500m, 1,500-1,800m, 1,800-2,100m. A single peak distribution pattern was observed at all altitudes. The cluster analysis and the Cody index of the β diversity measure indicated that nectar-producing plants were richly present at low altitudes, especially in 600-900m.
Conclusion The resource of nectar-producing plants were rich in the National Wuyishan Nature Reserve. Their distribution closely related to the ecosystem at different altitudes of the mountain.
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