While accompanying the village elder of Punanjanur on a nature walk, we stumbled upon an extraordinary sight – a colony of Apis florea, a diminutive yet resilient species of wild honey bee, clinging precariously to a tiny twig. These tiny creatures, native to southern and southeastern Asia, construct their nests from a single comb, the upper portion of which expands into a crest, forming a natural honey pot.
Masamma, a barefoot ecologist and esteemed elder from the village, guides countless children (and me) through the wonders of the forest, sharing her profound knowledge and deep connection with nature. For many years, she has educated and sustainably harvested wild honey and medicinal plants, utilizing their gifts for the well-being of her community.
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