An interesting tree or shrub, the Strawberry tree, is also known as arbutus or cane apples. Botanically it is Arbutus unedo, from the Ericaceae, or heath, family of plants. An evergreen, it does well in containers and is drought tolerant.
Strawberry Tree Description
This is a broadleaf tree that grows in a spreading pattern up to 30 feet high. Typically, it will stay about 8 to 12 feet. It has gray-brown bark that has reddish bark underneath, peeling in plates on the tree. Leaves are glossy on top, leathery, and have toothed margins. There are white or pink flowers that resemble blueberry-bush flowers. They are in drooping panicles. The fruits are red and take a full year to ripen, so you can have flowers and fruit on the same tree.
Growing the Arbutus unedo
The strawberry tree prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade and is tolerant of both alkaline and acidic soils. It should be in more shade when put into desert locales. It is drought tolerant when the plant is established. Propagate by seeds or half-ripe wood cuttings. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of seven through 10.
Cultivars
Some cultivars of the strawberry tree include the ‘Rubra’ that has deep pink flowers and the ‘Compacta’ that is a smaller tree than other cultivars. If you are partial to a certain color or size, always check the cultivar label to make sure you won’t be disappointed.
Interesting Facts
The California Invasive Plant Council recommends the strawberry tree in a substitute for the often seen, but invasive and introduced, Brazilian pepper.
Strawberry Tree Fruits
While some believe its mealy and tasteless, the fruit is edible. It is fermented to make a strong wine in Portugal, known as medronho. These fruits can also make jams, jellies, and preserves. The skin is gritty and the fruit contains 20% sugars. While the fruit takes a long time to ripen, once the tree is established there should be a bountiful crop.
Medicinal Remedy
This is used in herbalism for an astringent, a diuretic, and an antiseptic. Plants for a Future states it has ethyl gallate, which is a strong antibiotic substance. It was at one time used for urethritis and cystitis.
Other Uses
It has tannin in the fruit, bark, and leaves, with the bark having 45% tannin. The wood itself was used to make Greek flutes at one time. Strawberry tree wood also makes for a good charcoal.
Source: Floridata
http://www.floridata.com/ref/a/arbu_une.cfm
Plants for a Future
http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Arbutus+unedo
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
