BeeTrees: tropical and sub-tropical nectar and pollen sources

BeeTrees is a data set that contains information about tropical and sub-tropical trees utilized by bees for nectar and pollen sources. There are over 500 trees included in this data set, which has been compiled from global literature references. Many are confirmed from in-situ observations by the author. This is not an exhaustive list of trees visited by bees or used by them for food, although the information contained here will be of assistance to foresters, horticulturalists and others interested in native trees and/or trees useful to bees. Data found in this data set provide descriptive characteristics of trees and shrubs valued for provision of food sources for honey bees and other bees or pollinators in tropical and sub-tropical ecological zones. Parameters of the data include genus and species, common local name, precipitation and evelvation ranges along with a geographical area of occurrence and brief habitat description. The data are delimited by the growth habit of the plants to include only plants that have a woody and at least semi-perennial growth. The plant scientific names included in the original text of the literature are updated to match current accepted taxonomy nomenclature (2015) in the BeeTrees database.
These data can be used to help decision makers identify trees that may be useful in reforestation, landscaping and restoration projects in sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world. It is a contribution to conservation efforts focused on native flora, on honey bees and other types of bees valued for their roles as pollinators, and on tropical fruit and nectar trees. Literature searches to compile information began in 1997 in support of agroforestry projects and partners working with the International Technology Transfer Program of the USDA National Agroforestry Center, Lincoln, Nebraska, the US Forest Service International Programs and the USAID Global Bureau. Additional material was added with occasion of other forestry projects undertaken by the primary author (e.g. Hurricane Mitch Reconstruction; TSTAR-Caribbean).
Original metadata date was 05/28/2015. Minor metadata updates on 12/15/2016.