Bees for Development Journal 105
APITRADE AFRICA During 26-29 September members of fifteen African nations attended the ApiTrade Africa Event ApiExpo Africa 2012 in the Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Events included a three day conference programme and a four day exhibition of stands showcasing bee products, service providers and equipment suppliers. The quality of bee products on display was exceptional giving aspiring beekeepers a good standard of product for which to aim. Ethiopia, as host country, proudly presented an extraordinary variety of mono- and poly-floral honeys. The event was organised by ApiTrade Africa, the all-Africa honey trade network aiming To promote trade in African bee products by addressing market access constraints and coordinating marketing initiatives, and by a Local Organising Committee lead by the Ethiopian Apiculture Board. The next ApiTrade Africa Event will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2014. Janet Lowore’s attendance was supported by the ApiExpo Africa 2012 Local Organising Committee and Apitrade Africa. To find out how to become a member of ApiTrade Africa see www.apitradeafrica.org where you can download conference papers from ApiExpo Africa 2012.
His Excellency Ato Mitiku Kassa, State Minister of Agriculture (grey suit), cuts the ribbon to open officially ApiExpo Africa 2012 as Mr Harun Baiya, Board Chairman of ApiTrade Africa (left), looks on
TREES BEES USE Schefflera volkensii Paul Latham, Croft Cottage, Forneth, Blairgowrie, PH10 6SW, UK PHOTO © PAUL LATHAM
Keywords: Africa, bee forage, epiphyte, honey production, Tanzania Apicultural value Schefflera volkensii is recommended for honey production. Family Araliaceae Common names Imogoro Description A creeper or tree which is sometimes much branched, spreading up to 24-30 m tall. Schefflera volkensii may grow as an epiphyte on other trees. Leaves are composed of 4-7 leaflets, each up to 15 cm long by 7 cm wide. The leaf stalk is up to 13 cm long. Ecology Found in wet or dry upland forest, sometimes in Hagenia woodland or in the bamboo zone at 1,550–2,900 m. Propagation The plant can be grown from cuttings, wild seedlings or from seed. Ripe fruit should be collected from the ground and gradually dried. The seed is stored in sealed containers in a dry place. No treatment is required before sowing.
Schefflera volkensii growing as an epiphyte near Inyala, Tanzania
Management Schefflera volkensii requires supporting when young in order to grow straight.
The wood is used for firewood and charcoal. It can also be grown as a living fence and for shade. The latex from this plant, mixed with honey, is used medicinally to treat colds and coughs.
Uses The flowers are important bee forage. Bees were seen collecting nectar from Schefflera volkensii in June. A related species, Schefflera abyssinica, is an important source of honey in Ethiopia having abundant pollen and nectar: the honey is pure white and granulation fine. Schefflera wallichiana is an important honey plant in tropical Asia producing up to 60% of the total honey crop.
References are included with this article on our website information portal
WHICH TREES DO YOUR BEES USE? Send information to the address on page 2 6
