Beekeeping Potential of the Caatinga Vegetation

The Caatinga, a dry forest vegetation of northeastern Brazil, has a diverse flora high species number and β diversity, but remains under-sampled. The clime and vegetation make the region a great beekeeping producer, and floristics surveys are essential to the preservation and multiplication of focal species for the activity. The state of Piauí has been prominent as beekeeping producer, especially in the Caatinga areas. However, due to the dry season, it is also necessary to evaluate the richness of species found during this season and their potential as bee forage. We surveyed plant species occurring in the Caatinga of Fartura do Piauí, describing their floral characteristics, flowering phenology, and resources for Apis mellifera L. bees, during both the dry and rainy seasons. We identified 58 species, most with floral attributes associated with melittophily syndrome and DPI offering nectar and pollen as resources. Among these, 10 flowered in the dry period, providing a valuable source of bee pasture.