néctar

Nectar is a sugar-rich liquid produced by plants, primarily in glands called nectaries. Its main purpose is to attract pollinators, such as insects, birds, and bats, which are crucial for plant reproduction. The composition of nectar varies between plant species but typically consists of sucrose, glucose, and fructose sugars. It can also contain small amounts of amino acids, lipids, and other compounds. The concentration of sugar in nectar often influences its attractiveness to different pollinators. For example, high sugar concentrations might be favored by bees, while lower concentrations might attract flies.

The production of nectar is an energy-intensive process for plants. They must invest significant resources to create and secrete this sugary substance. In return, the pollinators that consume nectar often inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating cross-pollination. This symbiotic relationship is a cornerstone of many ecosystems. Humans also utilize nectar, most notably in the production of honey. Bees collect nectar from flowers and process it within their hives to create honey, a concentrated form of plant sugars. Some cultures also consume nectar directly or use it as a sweetener in various food and beverage preparations. The study of nectar, its composition, and its role in pollination is an important area of research in botany and ecology.