The flowers are white and all kind of bees like them, he said, “There is ample amount of nectar and pollen in the flowers, which the bees draw from it. Honey is prepared from the nectar while pollen is used as food for brood.”

The honey produced from Whayati is of light yellow colour, said Patil adding that the honey produced has high medicinal value and is much in demand. “It helps in enhancing energy and is known to be used for strengthening muscles,” said Patil.

The bloom is presently witnessed in the area alongside Kaas plateau, Koyna valley and Kandati region in and around Mahableshwar.

Ravindra Sathe, chairperson of Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board (MSKVIB), which runs the Directorate of Bee Keeping, said Whayati is a rare plant species found only in the forest area alongside Mahableshwar, so honey from its flower can be produced in that area only.

“We are appealing to bee-keepers to collect as much honey they can by setting up bee colonies. The MSKVIB is also planning to brand the honey from Whayati flowers for marketing purpose,” he said. Thus, bee-keepers have been advised to put their bee-keeping boxes near the flowers and purchase comb foundation from the state beekeeping department to put the frames for the bee colonies.

“The current season is good for bee-keepers due to the blooming of Whayati species of plants in the hilly area. The proper management of bee colonies will help ensure good amount of honey is produced,” said Raghunath Narayankar, director of Maharashtra Directorate of Bee Keepin