néctares

Néctares is a proposed unit of measurement used to quantify nectar resources available to pollinators in a defined area over a defined time. The unit aims to standardize reporting of nectar production by vegetation, in the same way that hectares standardize land area, by tying the quantity to both space and time. A common definition, used in theoretical discussions and some ecological studies, is that 1 néctare equals 1 microliter of nectar per square meter of flowering vegetation per day (µL m⁻² d⁻¹).

Usage and interpretation: Néctares capture volume of nectar but do not account for sugar concentration, accessibility, or energetic quality of the nectar. Therefore, reports often accompany néctare values with measurements of nectar sugar concentration or total sugar per area and day.

Measurement: Estimation can be done by field sampling of nectar loads per plant, flowers with nectar, or artificial collectors; results are often averaged across species and plots to yield an area-based nectar yield. The unit is most useful in comparative studies across landscapes rather than in precise energy budgeting.

Relationship with other units: It is conceptually similar to the hectare as an area-based metric but multiplies by time and nectar volume, not just area. Because nectar production varies dramatically by species, time of day, weather, and plant phenology, néctare values are context-specific.

Status and usage: The term is not widely adopted in mainstream ecology or botany and is largely discussed in methodological debates or illustrative examples. When used, it is typically presented with caveats and in conjunction with other nectar metrics.