Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedo (pronounced /ɑːrˈbjuːtəs ˈuːnɪdoʊ/), commonly known as the strawberry tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe north to western France and Ireland.
Etymology
The name "Arbutus unedo" was derived from Latin, where "Arbutus" means "tree of the strawberry" and "unedo" means "I eat one". This refers to the edible fruit which is only palatable in moderation due to its slight bitterness.
Description
Arbutus unedo grows to 5–10 m tall, rarely up to 15 m, with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and glossy, 5–10 cm long and 2–3 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The hermaphrodite flowers are white (rarely pale pink), bell-shaped, 4–6 mm diameter, produced panicles of 10–30 together in autumn. They are followed in 12 months by the fruit, which matures in autumn. The fruit is a red berry, 1–2 cm diameter, with a rough surface, maturing 12 months at the same time as the next flowering.
Related Terms
- Ericaceae: The family of flowering plants that Arbutus unedo belongs to.
- Hermaphrodite: A term referring to organisms that have reproductive organs normally associated with both male and female sexes.
- Panicle: A much-branched inflorescence.
- Berry: A small, pulpy, and often edible fruit.
See Also
- Arbutus: The genus to which Arbutus unedo belongs.
- Mediterranean region: The region where Arbutus unedo is native to.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arbutus unedo
- Wikipedia's article - Arbutus unedo
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