Arbutus xalapensis aka Texas Madrone

Arbutus xalapensis, also known as the Texas madrone, Amazaquitl, or Texas madroño, is a species of flowering plant in the heather family. It is native to Central America, the southwestern United States (western Texas and New Mexico), and throughout Mexico. This evergreen tree or large shrub has attractive smooth orange-brown bark that peels in thin sheets. It can grow to be 5–25 meters tall with a trunk up to 50 cm in diameter. The leaves are oblong to lanceolate, ranging from 5–17 cm long and 1.5–5 cm broad, with an entire or serrated margin. The bell-shaped flowers are white or pale pink and measure 5–10 mm long, appearing in loose panicles. The plant produces rough-surfaced red berries, approximately 1 cm in diameter, which reportedly have edible properties. However, caution should be exercised as related species have narcotic properties. Arbutus xalapensis thrives in canyons, mountains, rocky plains, and oak woodlands, with varying altitudes depending on the region. In moister areas of Mexico, it can be larger in size, while in drier regions like western Texas and New Mexico, it tends to be smaller and shrubbier. Some botanists consider the Texas variety, A. xalapensis var. texana, or even a distinct species, A. texana, but others do not see these as distinct. As a houseplant, Texas Madrone requires regular watering and does best in direct light within one foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and may not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Overall, this plant offers year-round interest with its attractive bark, long green leaves, and white or pink bell-shaped flowers that transform into red berries.