Common Name: Grecian StrawberryTree

General Information

Arbutus andrachne is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 12 metres tall, but is often smaller in cultivation outside its native range. The trunk has a smooth, red bark that occasionally peels off[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its attractive leaves plus its floral and fruit display[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southeast Europe - Crimea, the Balkans, Greece; W. Asia - Turkey, Georgia, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan.

Habitat

Evergreen scrub and rocky slopes[] on limestone, serpentine and igneous rocks in areas that are very dry in summer[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Arbutus andrachne is native to Mediterranean climates with a long, hot dry summer and mild, moist winters. It is hardy to about -15°c[].
Requires a nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[]. Requires a lime-free soil according to some reports[, ], but it thrives on a limy soil according to other reports[, , ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The flowers are sweetly scented[].
Dislikes being transplanted, it should be placed in its final position whilst young, giving some protection in its first winter outdoors[, ]. Plants are very slow growing.
Most plants cultivated under this name are in fact Arbutus x andrachnoides 'Serratula'[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , , ]. A luscious, juicy texture with a sweet but insipid flavour[]. Many people do not like eating more than a few of the raw fruits, though I find them very acceptable[]. They make a good cooked fruit in preserves etc[]. The globose, orange-red fruit is about 15mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

The plant is used in homeopathy, especially in the treatment of eczema[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are tolerant of some trimming[].
Tolerating summer droughts, and developing strong, shallow, lateral roots, this species is suitable for use in soil stabilization projects, especially in drier areas and in dry soils[].
The flowers are a good source of nectar and attract bees[].

Other Uses

The leaves are a source of tannins[].

The wood has a very beautiful white colour with a brownish tint. It is- hard, close-grained and easy to work[].

Propagation

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[]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c[]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[], 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[].
Basal cuttings in late winter[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, late autumn in a frame. Poor percentage[].
Layering of young wood - can take 2 years[, ].