How do Mallorca’s mountain ranges affect the biodiversity of flowering plants available to bees?

Mallorca’s mountain ranges play a significant role in shaping the island’s biodiversity, particularly in the variety of flowering plants that provide forage for bees. The Serra de Tramuntana, the most prominent mountain range on the island, creates a range of microclimates and altitudinal zones that influence the types of vegetation found there. These varying conditions allow for a wide array of flowering plants to thrive, from drought-resistant species in lower, sun-drenched areas to alpine blooms found in higher, cooler elevations. As a result, bees in Mallorca can access a diverse palette of flowers throughout different seasons, contributing to a rich and sustained food supply.

The mountains also act as natural barriers, isolating certain plant populations and enabling unique species and subspecies to develop over time. This geographic separation increases Mallorca's floral diversity, offering bees a broader selection of nectar and pollen sources compared to more homogeneous environments. Furthermore, the rugged, less disturbed mountain terrain limits large-scale agriculture and urbanization, helping to preserve habitats and maintain the natural flora. For pollinators like bees, this means the existence of native wildflowers and aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and lavender, which are especially abundant in these areas and are crucial for their survival.

Additionally, the varied topography and soil types caused by the mountain ranges support a mosaic of habitats—from limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops to forested valleys and terraced fields—that further enrich Mallorca’s floral landscape. This diversity ensures that different bee species can find the specific plants they need throughout the year, supporting both common and rare pollinators. Altogether, Mallorca’s mountain ranges not only enhance the availability and diversity of flowering plants but also create an ecological haven where bees can flourish, sustaining the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity for generations.