Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the strawberry tree, is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean Basin and western Europe, including Ireland. The name "unedo" is attributed to the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, who allegedly said "unum tantum edo," meaning "I eat only one," in reference to the fruit's taste.
Description
Arbutus unedo grows to 5–10 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm. The leaves are dark green and glossy, 5–10 cm long and 2–3 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The hermaphroditic flowers are white (rarely pale pink), bell-shaped, 4–6 mm in diameter, and produced in panicles of 10–30 together in the autumn. The fruit is a red berry, 1–2 cm in diameter, with a rough surface. The fruit matures in about 12 months, and the plant carries both mature fruit and new flowers simultaneously.
Habitat and Distribution
Arbutus unedo is found in the Mediterranean region, from Portugal and Spain to Greece and Turkey, and in western Europe, including Ireland and France. It thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in maquis and garrigue ecosystems.
Uses
The fruit of Arbutus unedo is edible, though it is not widely consumed due to its bland taste. It can be used to make jams, jellies, and liqueurs. The plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly its attractive bark and evergreen foliage. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant have been used for their purported health benefits.
Cultivation
Arbutus unedo is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is tolerant of a range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils. It is also drought-tolerant once established. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
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