Common Name: Arizona Maderone

General Information

Arbutus arizonica is an evergreen shrub or a small tree with stout, spreading branches that form a compact, round-topped crown; it usually grows 3 - 8 metres tall, exceptionally to 15 metres. The plant often has multiple stems which can be around 40 - 60vm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental

Known Hazards

The fruit is said to have narcotic properties[].

Botanical References

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Range

South-western N. America - Arizona, New Mexico, northern Mexico.

Habitat

Dry gravelly benches, 1,800 - 2,400 metres[]. Riverine forests and oak parklands along seasonally moist waterways in foothills and lower mountains; 1,500 - 2,400 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Arbutus arizonica is a plant of semi-arid regions in southern N. America, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,400 metres. Rainfall is very variable, with a mean annual precipitation ranging from 280 - 500mm[]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[, ].
The plant is found in the wild on well-drained, gravelly soils, and in sunny sites, growing on a variety of soils formed from resideual or colluvial parent materials[]. It is said to require a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in sun or semi-shade and shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[]. Succeeds in dry soils[].
A slow-growing tree[].
The tree resprouts from the base if cut back by fire, coppicing etc[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The blackish-red fruit is about 8mm in diameter with a thin sweetish flesh[].

Medicinal

The bitter principles in the bark and leaves can be used as an astringent[].

Other Uses

The light-coloured wood is close-grained, heavy, soft, brittle[].
The wood produces a fine grade of charcoal[].

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[, ].