Melliferous flora of the surrounding landscape of the sierra del abra tanchipa biosphere reserve, san luis potosi, mexico

Background: Beekeeping is an alternative for sustainable production in Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve region. Knowing richness of melliferous flora, its distribution and flowering season, improves its management. Questions: Which are the species of melliferous flora in the surrounding landscape of the Reserve? Which is its origin, growth form, floral resource, phenology and distribution? How is species richness in natural areas and disturbed areas? Study site and period: Influence area of Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, between August 2020 to March 2022. Methods: Melliferous flora species were collected monthly in bee foraging radius of six apiaries, in different types of vegetation. Data was taken from growth form, origin, floral resource offered, and phenology. Species richness and composition were compared between vegetation types from natural and disturbed areas. Results: 191 melliferous species were recorded; 91 nectariferous, 16 polliniferous and 84 nectar-polliniferous. Fabaceae is the most representative family. Flowering increases in June and September, decreases in January and April. Forty nine percent of species exclusively inhabit disturbed areas, 29 % natural areas and 22 % both. In natural areas 100 % are native while in disturbed areas 14 % are introduced and 86 % native. In natural areas 70 % are trees while in disturbed areas 57 % are herbs. Conclusions: The region has a great richness of native melliferous flora. The information generated will allow beekeepers to have a better management of their hives and to value the natural areas of foraging.