The Bees Behind Manuka Honey: Is There a Special Bee Species?

Learn about what type of bee makes Manuka honey and why they matter.

What Kind of Bees Make Manuka Honey?

In short, there isn't a special "Manuka honey bee." Manuka honey is produced by the Western honey bee, scientifically known as Apis mellifera. It's the same species responsible for much of the honey produced around the world.

During the Manuka flowering season, these bees forage on nectar from the Manuka tea tree, Leptospermum scoparium. For monofloral Manuka honey, the honey must be predominantly derived from this floral source rather than exclusively from it.

So, the bees themselves may be familiar, but the nectar they collect, where they forage, and the timing of the harvest help create a very different kind of honey.

The Manuka Tree and Bee Interaction

The Manuka tea tree blooms for only a few weeks each year usually between late spring and early summer. The main nectar flow varies by region and weather, so beekeepers carefully position hives where Manuka tea trees are flowering.

Many of Manukora's hives are placed in remote regions of New Zealand, giving bees access to areas rich in Manuka tea trees during this important period.

The nectar itself is what makes the biggest difference. Manuka nectar naturally contains DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. After the honey is made, DHA gradually converts into MGO, the compound used to measure Manuka honey's strength.

The floral source, growing conditions, location, and timing all help shape what eventually ends up in the jar.

Why Bee Health and Behavior Matter

Bees are deeply influenced by their environment. When they’re able to forage naturally and without stress, the honey they produce tends to be richer in texture, strength, and flavor.

At Manukora, we focus on giving bees the conditions they need to thrive. Our beekeepers carefully choose hive locations, avoid unnecessary interference, and work around the natural flowering cycle. 

Bee health does not determine the MGO grade on its own. The Manuka nectar itself, particularly its DHA content, plays a key role in how MGO develops in the honey. 

Manukora’s Approach to Beekeeping

At Manukora, we follow The Art of Ethical Beekeeping™, an approach built around caring for the bees, respecting natural foraging, and working with the Manuka flowering season.

Our hives are placed in remote New Zealand regions where Manuka tea trees grow naturally, helping bees forage in the environment they know best.

Every jar of Manukora honey comes with a QR code, allowing you to trace its exact origin, from the harvest region to batch purity. It’s part of our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and excellence.

To discover more about how we care for our bees and preserve the purity of their work, visit our About Us page or scan the QR code on any Manukora jar to trace the journey from hive to home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of bee makes Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is made by the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, the same species that produces much of the world’s honey.

Is there a special Manuka honey bee?

No. There is no special Manuka honey bee. The difference comes from the Manuka nectar, New Zealand environment, and careful hive placement.

Do bees only collect Manuka nectar?

Not always. Bees may visit other flowers, but monofloral Manuka honey comes mainly from nectar collected from the Manuka tea tree.

Why does the Manuka tea tree matter?

The Manuka tea tree provides nectar containing DHA, which later converts into MGO, the compound used to measure Manuka honey’s strength.

Why is Manuka honey relatively rare?

Manuka honey is relatively rare because the trees flower for a short period, and weather and location affect how much nectar bees collect.

Does bee health affect Manuka honey production?

Healthy bees are important for natural foraging and honey production, while the Manuka nectar itself plays the main role in MGO development.

Where do Manuka honey bees forage?

Bees making Manuka honey forage in New Zealand regions where Manuka tea trees grow, especially during the short seasonal flowering period.

Sources

• Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) - iNaturalist
• Leptospermum scoparium - Gardenia