Multivariate analyses of element concentrations revealed the groupings of propolis from different regions in China

► Multivariate analyses of element concentrations revealed the groupings of propolis. ► Propolis samples can be grouped based on their colour or climate zones. ► Thirty-two propolis are classified into five groups by principal component analysis. ► All of these five groups are correctly confirmed by linear discriminant analysis. ► Cluster analysis also identifies similar groupings.