Arbutus unedo aka Strawberry Tree

Taxonomy

Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the strawberry tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the family Ericaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe, including Ireland. The tree is recognized for its distinctive fruit, known as arbutus berries, which bear a resemblance to strawberries but are not closely related to true strawberries. It is also referred to as the Irish strawberry tree, cane apple, or Killarney strawberry tree. The strawberry tree is highly regarded in Italy and is recognized as the national tree due to its green leaves, white flowers, and red berries, reminiscent of the Italian flag. This large, slow-growing shrub features glossy, dark green leaves and reddish-brown, peeling bark. In autumn, it blooms with hanging clusters of small, waxy, urn-shaped flowers in pink and white hues. These flowers appear simultaneously with the spherical, red or yellow fruit from the previous year's flowers. The name "Arbutus unedo" is derived from the Latin phrase "unum edo," meaning "I eat one," possibly referring to the fact that the fruit is not particularly flavorful when consumed directly. The strawberry tree is also associated with the city of Madrid, where it is depicted on the coat of arms, showing a bear reaching for the fruit from a strawberry tree.

Common names

Strawberry Tree, Irish Strawberry Tree, Arbutus

How to care for Strawberry Tree

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Strawberry Tree is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Strawberry Tree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Strawberry Tree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Strawberry Tree requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Irish Strawberry Tree is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Strawberry Tree grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Strawberry Tree as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Strawberry Tree’s native range is S. Europe and S.W. Ireland.


More info:
Wikipedia