Arbutus unedo Strawberry tree (Ericaceae) Evergreen tree

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Arbutus unedo
Strawberry tree
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Arbutus unedo plant species is found in S. Europe and S.W. Ireland. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Strawberry tree.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Arbutus unedo
Common Name:  Strawberry tree
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:  8

Habitat:  Woodland, scrub and rocky hillsides, often on limestone and sandstone[17, 45].

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet but insipid[2, 3, 5]. The latin name 'unedo' means 'I eat one (only)' and suggests that the fruit is not very palatable[K], though another report says that the fruit is so delicious that a person only needs to eat one[245]. It does have a somewhat gritty skin, but the fruit itself has the texture of a lush tropical fruit and has a delicate pleasant flavour. For those people with sensitive taste buds, this is a fruit that can be enjoyed when eaten in moderate quantities[K]. The fruit contains about 20% sugars and can be used to make delicious and nourishing jams and preserves[7]. It is ripe in November/December and is about 15mm in diameter. When fully ripe it falls from the tree and so it is advisale to grow the plant in short grass in order to cushion the fall of the fruit[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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