Lonicera fragrantissima Lindl. & J. Paxton
CaprifoliaceaeThe genus lonicera is dedicated to Adam Lonicer a German physician and botanist of the sixteenth century, and designates the species known as honeysuckle. However, it was introduced in Europe in 1845 by another botanist Robert Fortune, whom the names of many Asian species such as palm Fortune are dedicated, also existing in the gardens of Real Alcázar. The presence of honeysuckle is particularly evident in late winter when citrus aromas associated with flowering appear. In this sense, the lonicera, like other flowering plants, maintains a close relationship with insects through its nectar. It should be noted here their relationship with the bees, whose world population seems to be in decline despite being vital to the proper functioning of ecosystems and species therefore, also for the development of human life. After all, they are responsible for 70% pollination of crops that serve as food, especially fruits and vegetables. In fact, there is a statement attributed to Albert Einstein saying: if the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, man would only have four years of life. Without bees, therefore, no more pollination, no grass, no animals, no men.