Strawberry Tree (Arbutus Unedo)

The Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, is a charming evergreen shrub or small tree that adds beauty and character to any garden or landscape. Growing at a moderate pace, it typically reaches 4-8 meters in height and 3-5 meters in width when fully mature. This versatile plant is prized for its attractive dark green, leathery leaves and its year-round interest, producing clusters of bell-shaped white or pinkish flowers in autumn, followed by round, red-orange fruits resembling strawberries.

Features:

• Height: 4-8 meters (mature)
• Width: 3-5 meters when mature
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Foliage: Evergreen, dark green, leathery
• Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, white to pinkish; bloom in autumn
• Fruit: Round, red-orange berries that resemble strawberries, ripening 12 months after flowering
• Soil: Tolerates clay soils and drought

Fruit & Medicinal Properties:

Flavour: The fruit of the Strawberry Tree is small & edible, has a mild sweetness, with a flavor reminiscent of a blend between a peach and a strawberry, and a texture similar to that of a peach.

The fruits can be used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications. Rich in Vitamin C, the berries also contain polyphenols and antioxidants that support the immune system. In traditional herbal medicine, the fruit and leaves have been used for urinary tract infections, as a diuretic, and for gastrointestinal disorders.

Nutritional Profile:

• Vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin E
• Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium
• Antioxidants: Rich in polyphenols and other beneficial compounds

Uses:

• Culinary Uses: The fruit can be made into jams, jellies, syrups, and liqueurs. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine to create the alcoholic beverage Medronho.
• Herbal Remedies: The leaves and fruit are traditionally used to treat diarrhea, kidney stones, and urinary infections.
• Cosmetics: With its antioxidant properties, Strawberry Tree extracts are gaining popularity in skin care formulations, particularly in anti-aging creams and serums.

Add this hardy and versatile Strawberry Tree to your garden for year-round interest, edible fruit, and potential health benefits!