Strawberry tree

Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe north to western France and Ireland.

Description

The Strawberry Tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 5–10 m and sometimes up to 15 m. The leaves are dark green 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 by edible fruits, which are spherical, 1–2 cm diameter, with rough surface, maturing 12 months at the same time as the next flowering. The fruit is sweet when reddish, and tastes similar to a fig.

Distribution and habitat

The Strawberry Tree is native to the Mediterranean region, from Ireland to Lebanon, and Portugal to Italy, as well as western France. It is also found in western parts of North America, particularly in California. It grows in a variety of habitats, from sea level to altitudes of about 1,200 metres, and it is particularly associated with the maquis shrubland of the Mediterranean region.

Cultivation and uses

The Strawberry Tree is widely cultivated for its edible fruit and as an ornamental plant. It is used in the production of alcoholic beverages, such as the Portuguese medronho, a strong spirit distilled from the fermented fruit, and the Italian vino cotto, a sweet dessert wine. The wood is also used for charcoal production and for woodworking.

Ecology

The Strawberry Tree is a host plant for the larvae of the moth Charissa obscurata and the butterfly Polygonia egea. It is also a food plant for the fruit-eating birds, such as the blackbird and the song thrush.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• List of plants used in herbalism