Stingless Bee Food System at Farm Rahk

Evidence of Quality Rooted in Real Land Conditions

Farm Rahk is located within an oil palm plantation.

Therefore, the stingless bee food system here is not based on theory, but is shaped by the actual plant structure present on the farm and continuous observation of stingless bee foraging behavior in the area.

Each plant species on the farm plays a distinct role within the food system, from primary food sources that sustain the colonies to secondary and natural food sources that help stabilize the system during seasonal transitions.

Primary Food Sources of Stingless Bees at Farm Rahk

Oil Palm: The Core Structure of the Entire Food System

Farm Rahk is situated within an oil palm plantation, and oil palm trees are the primary plants that define the structure of the entire food system.

Oil palm flowers provide a large quantity of pollen, which stingless bees can access at close range without expending excessive energy during foraging.

During periods when oil palms flower simultaneously, continuous foraging activity can be clearly observed, and the colonies show strong stability in food availability.

Pollen from oil palm flowers plays a vital role in:

• Brood development

• Colony strength

• Internal stability of the hive system

For this reason, oil palm trees are not merely an economic crop of the land, but serve as the primary food foundation that sustains stingless bees throughout the entire system.

Supplementary Primary Food Sources

Banana: A Food Source Clearly Chosen by the Bees

In addition to oil palm trees, banana plants serve as a clearly significant supplementary primary food source at Farm Rahk.

Based on direct field observations, stingless bees regularly forage on banana blossoms, collecting both pollen and nectar.

Banana blossoms play an important role during periods when:

• Other flowering plants decrease in availability

• Or during transitional periods between seasons

Banana plants therefore help maintain continuity within the food system and reduce fluctuations in energy levels within the colonies.

Secondary Food Sources from Ground Cover and Flowering Plants

Plants That Support the Daily Stability of the Food System

Farm Rahk contains several secondary food plants that continuously complement the food system, even though they are not primary food sources for the colonies.

These plants include:

Brazilian Peanut

Functions as a ground cover plant, helping retain soil moisture and creating an environment favorable for stingless bee foraging.

Its small flowers also provide supplementary food in harmony with natural cycles.

Ixora

A flowering plant that provides continuous nectar.

With dense flower clusters and easy access, it is regularly visited by stingless bees and helps sustain colony energy under normal system conditions.

Fukien Tea (Carmona retusa)

A small flowering plant that blooms consistently, increasing the diversity of available food sources and serving as a natural supplementary food selected by the bees themselves.

Seasonal Secondary Food Sources

Fruit Trees within the Farm

Fruit trees present on the farm, including durian, jackfruit, and stink bean (sator), serve as seasonal secondary food sources.

Although these trees do not flower year-round, when they do bloom, they contribute additional diversity of both pollen and nectar and help reinforce overall balance within the colony food system.

Naturally Occurring Food Sources

Plants That Grow Naturally and Are Chosen by the Bees

Within Farm Rahk, there are also plants that grow naturally and play an important role in the food system, including:

Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata)

A native plant that flowers seasonally, providing both pollen and nectar.

It plays a particularly important role during seasonal transitions by preventing sudden gaps in food availability.

Wild Daisy

A small wild flowering plant that provides continuous nectar, supporting daily foraging activity and increasing overall food diversity.

Wild Blue Hawaii

A naturally occurring flowering plant that blooms continuously and provides a steady nectar supply, helping sustain colony energy during periods when primary food sources decline.

Overview of the Farm Rahk Food System

A Food System Shaped by Real Land Conditions

The stingless bee food system at Farm Rahk is rooted in oil palm plantations as its core foundation and functions through the integration of multiple plant groups, each with a specific role:

• Oil palm → Primary pollen structure

• Banana → Continuity and energy support

• Brazilian peanut → Environmental stability and system support

• Ixora and Fukien tea → Daily supplementary food sources

• Fruit trees (durian, jackfruit, stink bean) → Seasonal diversity

• Natural plants (Siam weed, wild daisy, wild Blue Hawaii) → Stability during seasonal transitions

Stingless bees are able to select their food sources naturally, without reliance on artificial feeding or human intervention.

This food system is shaped by real land conditions

and forms the true foundation of the quality of stingless bee honey produced at Farm Rahk.