Etymology

Arbutus was the common name already used to describe the species in the Roman Era. Unedo means “edible but without great interest”, from Latin unum edo: “I’d only eat one”.

Description and flowering period

This slow-growing shrub can reach 5 meters in height. It is nearly impossible to uproot due to its strong and extremely deep-reaching root system. The elliptical leaves are slightly toothed, persistent and tannin-rich. The tiny white flowers are bell-shaped, honey-scented and are borne in panicles which appear in autumn. The fruits are rugged round berries and turn orange-red when ripe. The fruits have many pips and tastes sweet yet tangy. The texture of the fruit, however is quite mealy. Since the fruits take nearly a year to mature on the tree, the species is remarkable in that it bears new flowers and fruits at the same time.

Habitat

It requires a free-draining, nutrient-rich acidic soil in full sun or part-shade. Siliceous or silty soils are ideal.

Uses

Ornamental.
Food & drink: Rich in vitamin C and fibres, its berries can be eaten raw, used to make jams or liqueurs. Strawberry tree honey is also produced and famed for its antibacterial properties.
Medicinal: Roots decoctions are said to fight hypertension and infusions of the leaves and bark have astringent, antiseptic and diuretic properties.
Traditional crafts: The wood is used for marquetry.

Notes

The strawberry tree was considered sacred by the Romans. It is a symbol of eternity (due to its evergreen leaves) and of loyalty (due to its biblical role). The species is pyrophilous (it benefits from wildfires). It is pictured on the Madrid city crest.

Translated by: François Saint-Hillier – MNHN