Changes

{{otherusesof|Strawberry}}

{{SPlantbox

|familia=Ericaceae

| color = lightgreen

| name = Strawberry plum Tree

| image = Arbutusunedo02.jpg

|taxo_author=L.

| image_width = 250px

|common_name=Strawberry Tree

| image_caption = Strawberry tree leaves and fruit

|habit=tree

| regnum = [[Plantae]]

| divisio = [[flowering plant| Magnoliophyta]]

| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]

| ordo = [[Ericales]]

| familia = [[Ericaceae]]

| genus = ''[[Arbutus]]''

|height_ref=Wikipedia

| species = '''''A. unedo'''''

|lifespan=perennial

| binomial = ''Arbutus unedo''

|exposure=sun, part-sun

| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]

|sun_ref=Plants for a Future

|water=moist, moderate, dry

|water_ref=Plants for a Future

|features=evergreen, edible, fruit

|Temp Metric=°F

|min_zone=8

|usda_ref=Wikipedia

|max_zone=10.5

|image=Arbutusunedo03.jpg

|image_width=240

|image_caption=Strawberry tree leaves and fruit

}}

}}

The Strawberry Tree grows to 5-10 m tall, rarely up to 15 m, with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm. Zone: 7-10

 

The Strawberry Tree grows to 5-10 m tall, rarely up to 15 m, with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm.

The [[leaf|leaves]] are dark green and glossy, 5-10 cm long and 2-3 cm broad, with a serrated margin.

The [[leaf|leaves]] are dark green and glossy, 5-10 cm long and 2-3 cm broad, with a serrated margin.

The [[plant sexuality|hermaphrodite]] [[flower]]s are white (rarely pale pink), bell-shaped, 4-6 mm diameter, produced panicles of 10-30 together in autumn. They are pollinated by bees.

The [[plant sexuality|hermaphrodite]] [[flower]]s are white (rarely pale pink), bell-shaped, 4-6 mm diameter, produced panicles of 10-30 together in autumn. They are pollinated by bees.

The [[fruit]] is a red [[aggregate drupe]] 1-2 cm diameter, sometimes called <i>arbutus-berry</i>, with a rough surface, maturing 12 months at the same time as the next flowering. The fruit is edible, though many people find it bland and mealy; the name 'unedo' is explained by [[Pliny the Elder]] as being derived from ''unum edo'' "I eat one",<ref>''Natural History'' 15.28.99</ref> which may seem an apt response to the flavour. They mainly serve as food for [[bird]]s but in some countries they are used to make [[jam]] and [[liqueur]]s (such as the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] ''[[medronho]]'', a kind of strong [[brandy]]).

The [[fruit]] is a red [[aggregate drupe]] 1-2 cm diameter, sometimes called <i>arbutus-berry</i>, with a rough surface, maturing 12 months at the same time as the next flowering. The fruit is edible, though many people find it bland and mealy; the name 'unedo' is explained by [[Pliny the Elder]] as being derived from ''unum edo'' "I eat one",<ref>''Natural History'' 15.28.99</ref> which may seem an apt response to the flavour. They mainly serve as food for [[bird]]s but in some countries they are used to make [[jam]] and [[liqueur]]s.

 

 

It is hardy to zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to December, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.

 

Unlike most of the Ericaceae, it grows well in limy [[soil]]s. It is best planted in a sheltered position due to its late flowering habit (see first paragraph). When grown as a tree rather than a multi-stemmed shrub, it is important to select one stem that becomes the main trunk, keeping any other basal sprouts pruned off. It prefers well-drained soil and only moderate amounts of water. The Strawberry Tree is naturally adapted to dry summers, though also growing well in the cool, wet summers of western Ireland. It is therefore useful for planting in areas with a dry-summer climate, and has become a very popular garden specimen in [[California]] and the rest of the west coast of [[North America]]. It is hardy in [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] [[Hardiness zone|Hardiness Zones]] 8 to 10.

 

 

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].

==Cultivation and uses==

===Propagation===

Unlike most of the Ericaceae, it grows well in limy [[soil]]s. It is best planted in a sheltered position due to its late flowering habit(see first paragraph). To grow as a tree rather than a multi-stemmed shrub, select one stem to become the main trunk, and keep any other basal sprouts pruned off. It prefers well-drained soil and only moderate amounts of water. The Strawberry Tree is naturally adapted to dry summers, though also growing well in the cool, wet summers of western Ireland. It is therefore useful for planting in areas with a dry-summer climate, and has become a very popular garden specimen in [[California]] and the rest of the west coast of [[North America]]. It is hardy in [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] [[Hardiness zone|Hardiness Zones]] 8 to 10. [[Pest (organism)|Pests]] include [[scale insect|Scales]] and [[Thrips]], and diseases include [[anthracnose]], ''[[Phytophthora]]'', root rot, and [[Rust (fungus)|rust]].  

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].

[[Synonymy|Synonyms]] include ''Unedo edulis'' Hoffm. and ''Arbutus vulgaris'' Bub.

[[Pest (organism)|Pests]] include [[scale insect|Scales]] and [[Thrips]], and diseases include [[anthracnose]], ''[[Phytophthora]]'', root rot, and [[Rust (fungus)|rust]].  

==Symbolic use==

==Varieties==

[[Image:Escudo_de_Madrid.svg|thumb|120px|left|A she-bear and a strawberry tree (''madroño'') are the symbol of [[Madrid]].]]

*'Compacta' - A dwarf cultivar, it is said not to flower very freely[11].

[[Image:Hieronymus Bosch - The Garden of Earthly Delights - Garden of Earthly Delights (Ecclesia's Paradise).jpg|thumb|Central panel of ''The Garden of Earthly Delights''.]]

*'Croomei' - A dwarf-growing cultivar, it is said to be a reliable fruiting form[49].

The title of ''[[The Garden of Earthly Delights]]'', a mysterious painting by [[Hieronymus Bosch]], is a later attribution.

*'Elfin King' - The fruits are up to 25mm in diameter and have a sweet flavour[183, K]. A slow-growing compact plant, often no more than 1 metre tall[183]. It comes into bearing early, sets fruit freely and is ideal for container growing[183].

It was listed in the inventories of the Spanish Crown as "the picture with the strawberry-tree fruits".

*'Rubra' - Smaller than the species type, this form grows to about 2 - 3 metres in height, fruiting abundantly even when only 60cm tall[K].

==External links==

==Gallery==

*[http://www.shadowdrake.com/arbutus.html Strawberry Tree]

Image:Upload.png| photo 2

Image:Upload.png| photo 3

</gallery>

==Notes==

==References==

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{{Wikispecies|Arbutus unedo}}

*{{wplink}}