| Common Name | Latin Name | Plant Family |
|---|---|---|
|
Strawberry Tree |
Arbutus unedo |
Ericaceae |
Tannin is obtained from the leaves, bark and fruit[46, 61]. The bark contains 45% tannin[46].
Wood – used for turning, Greek flutes etc[89, 148]. It makes a good charcoal[4, 89, 148].
Cultivation & Habitat
Seed – best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 – 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse[78]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[134]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 – 3 months at 20¡c[134]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[184], they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[K].
Basal cuttings in late winter[200].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage[78].
Layering of young wood – can take 2 years[1, 200].
Requires a nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in sun or semi-shade and shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[11, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in dry soils. Most species in this genus require a lime-free soil but this species is fairly lime tolerant[11, 200]. Succeeds in fairly exposed maritime positions[166, 200]. A tree in a very exposed position at Rosewarne in N. Cornwall was looking rather tattered in April 1987 but it was 4.5 metres tall and carrying a very good crop of immature fruit[K]. Tolerates industrial pollution[200].
Plants have withstood temperatures down to -16¡c without injury at Kew[11]. They grow very well in S.W. England, fruiting well in Cornwall[49, 59].
Plants resent root disturbance and are best placed in their final positions whilst young[11, 134]. Give them some protection in their first winter.
The strawberry tree flowers in November and December, the fruit takes 12 months to ripen and so the tree carries both mature fruit and flowers at the same time and is incredibly beautiful at this time[K]. The flowers have a soft honey scent[245].
There are a number of named varieties[183] developed for their ornamental value. ‘Elfin King’, ‘Croomei’ and ‘Rubra’ are all small forms that fruit well when small[182]. The variety ‘Rubra’ was 1.2 metres tall at Kew in late 1990 and was laden down with fruits and flowers[K]. ‘Elfin King’ only reaches a height of 1 metre, comes into bearing when young and fruits well[183]. It is ideal for container culture[183]. ‘Croomei’ is said to be a more reliable fruiting form[49].
S. Europe and S.W. Ireland.
Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.
*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.