Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)

The strawberry tree is a plant that does not grow much; in fact, both in cultivation and in its natural habitat, it is difficult to find specimens that exceed 5 meters in height. But, botanically, it is considered as such, and as it also has very interesting characteristics, I certainly couldn't pass up the opportunity to tell you about it.

Being native to areas where there is usually little rainfall, it can live in a low-maintenance garden. It also withstands high temperatures well, although it is true that if it reaches 40 degrees Celsius it is important that it has some water at its disposal. Let's see how you take care.

What kind of plant is the strawberry tree?

The strawberry tree, whose scientific name is Arbutus unedo, is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region that reaches between 4 and 7 meters in height. It has a trunk from which branches sprout at a very short distance from the ground. The leaves are lanceolate, with a serrated margin, about 8 by 3 centimeters, and are bright green on the upper side and dull on the underside.

Its flowers are hermaphroditic, are grouped in hanging panicles, and have a white corolla. And as for the fruit, it is a globose berry of about 10 millimeters, which starts out greenish and ends up being red when it ripens. Inside we find brown seeds.

What benefits does the strawberry tree have?

The fruits of this plant are edible. They have a pleasant flavor, sweeter the more mature they are, and also have very interesting medicinal properties. For example, They can help relieve inflammation, bacterial infections, and also improve the cardiovascular system.

All this is due to the fact that they are rich in flavonoids and phenolics, in addition to vitamin P. Thus, it is certainly worth including them in the diet.

How do you eat the strawberry tree?

Raw, or cooked to make jams or preserves. Of course, it is important that they are not consumed directly from the plant if it has been subjected to any phytosanitary treatment with chemical products, since it could be harmful to health. In these cases, the safety period indicated on the packaging of the insecticide or fungicide itself must be respected; although I personally recommend not using this type of product on edible plants.

And there are many others that are ecological and very effective, such as diatomaceous earth, which is a natural insecticide that eliminates many pests, or copper, which has fungicidal properties.

But beware: it is important to eat only a few, since we could get dizzy. Moreover, the fruits, once fermented, are used to make what is known as strawberry tree liqueur.

Uses of Arbutus unedo

I have told you about the fruit, but the plant itself also has uses that should be known. The most important is the ornamental. Living with little water, it is highly recommended to grow it in low maintenance gardens, either as a hedge or as an isolated specimen. Although it grows slowly, it is worth reserving a space for it.

Likewise, both its bark and leaves are used for tanning.

How is the strawberry tree cared for?

The strawberry tree, or Arbutus unedoIt is an easy maintenance plant. So if you want to know how to take care of it, now I am going to tell you about it:

Location

El Arbutus unedo it has to be outside. It is advisable that it be in an area where it receives the sun all day, but it also lives well in semi-shade. It has no invasive roots, so you can really plant it in the ground without worrying about other plants; it even holds up well in a pot.

Soil or substrate

Grows in neutral or alkaline soils. Poor soils do not harm it too much, since in its natural state it can be found in gorges, ravines, and very rocky terrain.

Now, that does not mean that, if you want to plant it in a pot, you can put any substrate. In a small space like that, it is important that the substrate is of quality so that the roots are good. For this reason, I recommend mixing black peat moss with 30% perlite (for sale here).

Irrigation

Irrigation must be low. Withstands drought. If it is in the garden, we will water from time to time, once a week or every ten days, depending on whether it rains regularly or not; and if it is in a pot, we will water it once or twice a week.

Subscriber

The subscriber of the strawberry tree is a task that only important when grown in a pot, since in the soil, since it does not need many nutrients, it is enough with those it finds by itself.

Thus, we will pay it with natural and liquid fertilizers. Guano (for sale here) or algae extract (do not abuse: it is alkaline, with a very high pH, ​​8 or higher. You can buy it here). We will follow the instructions for use so that there is no risk of overdose.

Harvest

The fruits of the strawberry tree harvested in winter or spring, depending on when flowering has started, which is usually in autumn but can start later depending on the weather.

In any case, you will know that they are ripe when they have acquired a red tone, and when you gently squeeze them you notice that the finger "sinks" a little - very little, since they do not have to be excessively soft either.

Multiplication

The strawberry tree multiplies by seeds. The ideal planting time is in spring, since that is when the fruits are ripe. It is advisable to sow them in seed trays (such as this), with substrate for seedbeds (you can buy it here) putting one or two in each socket.

Then, they are left outside, in full sun, and the soil is kept moist so that they do not dry out.

Plagues and diseases

It's very tough. But as can happen to almost any plant, if it is overwatered, the fungi will damage its roots; and if the environment is too dry and warm, it is possible to see some mealybugs or aphids. Therefore, it is necessary to seek control the risks, and if we see any plague, it will be treated with water and neutral soap for example, or diatomaceous earth (for sale here).

Rusticity

It is a tree that withstands frost up to -12ºC.

Where to buy strawberry tree?

Do you want to have your own copy of Arbutus unedo? Feel free to click here:

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