Facts About the Acacia Tree

One of the most significant roles of the Acacia tree, other than to prevent land erosion is that their flowers provide a substantial amount of pollen and nectar for honey production. None more so in the countries of Hungary and Romania, where some of the finest acacia honey in the world is produced both for internal use and for export, we delve into the facts about the Acacia and its role in providing this golden goodness as well as the positive impact these plants have on the environment.

A Flowering Shrub.

Acacias are one of the flowering shrubs that provide one of the highest amounts of nectar and pollen for bees and belong to the genus Acacia (a shrub but more often referred to as a tree.) The acacia is worldwide, originating in Africa but due to its resilience to weather and climate conditions can be grown virtually anywhere. In fact, it was their ability to aid in the prevention of desertification and combat droughts, they now make up a significant percentage of Hungary and Romania’s forests as well as providing a useful source of timber.

The reason bees are attracted to the delicate, beautiful, and fragrant yellow and white flowers of the acacia tree is the fact that the flowers contain excessive amounts of sugar which is a vital source for honeybees and for their survival. Over time, the flowers have evolved to attract pollinators by rewarding them with this rich nectar, thus ensuring the growth and spread of the acacias.

Profusion of Flowers.

The acacias are well known for their profusion of flowers through specific times of the year, this is all dependant and the species as well as their location. For Example: Some acacia species will bloom in early spring, whilst others in summer or the dry season.

The nectar that is collected by the honeybees from the acacia flowers produces one of the finest honeys in the world, acacia natural honey, which is highly sought after for its delicate flavour, light colour, slow crystallization as well as its many health benefits, and natural antiseptic properties.

A Firm Favourite of Honeybees.

The acacias that are a firm favourite of honeybees include The Silver Wattle (Acacia Dealbata), The Black Thorn (Acacia Mellifera), Sweet Thorn (Acacia Karroo), and the Coast Wattle (Acacia Longifolia) to name but a few.

Natural Acacia Honey.

Beekeepers strategically place their hives adjacent to acacia groves or acacia forests to provide a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with their bees and the acacias allowing them to tap into the rich resources and ensuring the well-being and health of the hives. And of course, reaping the rewards of natural acacia honey for their efforts.