Description
Dense evergreen shrub with dark green glossy leaves and edible fruit. The pretty bell-shaped flowers are white and loved by bees and tui.
- Botanical Name: Arbutus unedo
- Plant Family: Ericaceae
- Synonyms: Strawberry Tree, Irish Strawberry Tree, Killarney Strawberry Tree, Cain/Cane Apple
- Form: Shrub/Small Tree
- Lifecycle: Perennial
- Use 1. Fruit: Produces a red fruit, 2cm in diameter, with a rough surface. The fruit is edible, raw or cooked, and is sweet but can be a little bland. It has a high content of anti-oxidant vitamins such as Vitamin C and beta-carotene. It contains about 20% sugars and can be used to make delicious jams and preserves.
- Use 2. Brewing: The fruit can be made into wines , liqueurs and spirits. In Portugal it is used to make a brandy, and in Albania it is made into a traditional beverage called Rakia.
- Use 3. Medicinal : The leaves, bark and root contain anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, diuretic and astringent properties and have been used in folk and traditional medicine.
- Use 4. Tanning: The bark can be used for tanning leather.
- Use 5. Soil Stabilisation: The extensive root system can help to bind loose soils and prevent erosion.
- Use 6. Fire Break: Arbutus is fire-resistant and can be used as part of a fire break.
- Growing Conditions: A pioneer plant which can grow well even in poor soils, and tolerates clay or sand, moist or dry, full sun or part shade, salt winds and atmospheric pollution – what a trooper!
- Height x Spread: 5 – 8m x 3-7m
- Hardiness: Hardy to -15
- Flowering time: Fragrant Lily of the Valley-like flowers appear in Autumn, at the same time as the previous year’s crop is maturing, so both fruit and flowers are seen on the plant at one time.
- Pollination: Pollinated by bees and some birds. Self-fertile.
- Biodiversity value: The flowers are a significant source of nectar and pollen for bees and are much loved by tui.
- Native to: Mediterranean and Western Europe as far north as Ireland.
- Food Forest Fit: Small tree layer or canopy in a small garden.
- Fun Fact: The tree makes up part of the coat of arms of the city of Madrid.
- Pot size: PB8
