Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 395 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000543204
Common Names
- Strawberry Tree
- Irish Strawberry Tree
- Cane Apple
Synonyms
- Arbutus cassinifolia Steud. [valid]
- Arbutus crispa Hoffmanns. [valid]
- Arbutus ferruginea L.f. [valid]
- Arbutus integrifolia Sims [valid]
- Arbutus intermedia Heldr. ex Nyman [valid]
- Arbutus laurifolia L.f. [valid]
- Arbutus nothocomaros Hedberg ex Nyman [valid]
- Arbutus pavarii Pamp. [valid]
- Arbutus procumbens Kluk ex Besser [valid]
- Arbutus salicifolia Cels ex Hoffmanns. [valid]
- Arbutus serratifolia Salisb. [valid]
- Arbutus turbinata Pers. ex Rchb. [valid]
- Arbutus unedo ellipsoidea Aznov. [valid]
- Arbutus vulgaris Bubani [valid]
- Arbutus unedo subcrenata Maire [valid]
- Arbutus unedo salicifolia Regel [valid]
Description
Arbutus unedo (also called Strawberry Tree, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae. It is a small evergreen tree or shrub with a spreading crown, growing up to 5 m tall. It is native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal east to Turkey and Syria. It grows in dry, rocky areas, often on limestone soils.
Uses & Benefits
Arbutus unedo has been used for its edible fruits, which can be eaten raw or cooked, for its medicinal properties, and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Arbutus unedo has white flowers, small red-brown seeds and seedlings with reddish-brown bark.
Cultivation and Propagation
Arbutus unedo is a small, evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and can be grown in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and is drought tolerant once established. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.
Where to Find Arbutus unedo
Arbutus unedo can be found in the Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Arbutus unedo FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Arbutus unedo?
Arbutus unedo is native to the western United States, from California to Washington.
What is the growth rate of Arbutus unedo?
Arbutus unedo grows at a moderate rate, reaching a height of up to 10 feet.
What is the soil type for Arbutus unedo?
Arbutus unedo prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.
Species in the Arbutus genus
Arbutus andrachne,
Arbutus arizonica,
Arbutus bicolor,
Arbutus canariensis,
Arbutus hirsuta,
Arbutus hirsutus,
Arbutus madrensis,
Arbutus menziesii,
Arbutus occidentalis,
Arbutus tessellata,
Arbutus unedo,
Arbutus xalapensis,
Arbutus andrachnoides,
Arbutus androsterilis,
Arbutus reyorum,
Arbutus thuretiana,
Species in the Ericaceae family