Explore Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Arbutus unedo | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Strawberry Tree
Family: Ericaceae
Appearance: Evergreen shrub or small tree with rough, dark bark and glossy, leathery leaves. Produces white to pink bell-shaped flowers and round, red fruits resembling strawberries.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Shrub/Small Tree
Root System: Features a fibrous root system
Height: 5–10 meters
Width: 4–8 meters
Lifespan: Over 100 years
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees and butterflies
Toxicity: Fruits are edible, but excessive consumption may cause stomach upset.
Arbutus unedo | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region and western Europe
Companionship: Grows well with Mediterranean shrubs and grasses
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 11
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: High tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: High tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagated by seeds, may require cold stratification
Cuttings: Yes, hardwood cuttings can be used
Arbutus unedo | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: The fruits are edible and can be used to make jams or fermented into alcoholic beverages
Medicinal: Traditionally used to treat various ailments, including urinary tract infections and digestive issues
Cosmetics: Extracts are sometimes used in skincare products
Animal Feed: Fruits are sometimes eaten by wildlife
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Wood is occasionally used for small woodworking projects
Firewood: Good for firewood, burns slowly
Wind Break: Can be used as a windbreak in agroforestry systems
Fence: Not used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and butterflies during flowering
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides food and habitat for birds and small mammals
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