Apiphily

Apiphily is a form of pollination whereby pollen is distributed by honey bees ( Apis sp. Hymenoptera order and family Apidae). Apiphilous species frequently evolve mechanisms to make themselves more appealing to honey bees, e.g., brightly colored or scented flowers, nectar, or appealing shapes and patterns. Pollen grains of Apiphilous plants are generally larger than the fine pollens of anemophilous (wind-pollinated) plants. They usually are of more nutritional value to bees, which may use them for food and inadvertently spread them to other flowers. Apiphilous plant species include apple, pear, sunflower, mustard etc.