Common Name: Madrono

General Information

Arbutus xalapensis is an evergreen shrub or small tree, usually growing 2 - 4 metres tall, exceptionally to 8 metres[]. Trees up to 12 metres tall have been recorded with a bole diameter of up to 90cm and a spreading crown up to 13 metres across[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood. It is grown as an ornamental.
Most regions where this species grows have experienced large-scale deforestation - however parts of its range are contained within protected areas. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern N. America - New Mexico, Texas, Mexico and south to Nicaragua.

Habitat

Drier oak forests from Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon southwards. Usually found on limestone soils at elevations up to 3,000 metres[]. Rough, stony hills, mountain slopes, calcareous ledges; at elevations of 300 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Arbutus xalapensis is a plant of moderate to high elevations in the warm temperate to tropical zones of southern N. America and Central America. It is found in regions where the meann annual precipitation ranges from 400 - 750mm. The plant can experience moderate frosts within its native range, and is known to tolerate occasional, short-lived temperatures down to around -10°c[, ].
Requires a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in sun or semi-shade and shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[]. This species thrives in the wild on limestone soils with a pH in the range 7.5 - 7.8, and in dry conditions[].
The plant is very difficult to transplant[].
Plants are slow-growing[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. A sweetish taste[], the fruit has a dry mealy flesh[]. It has narcotic properties[]. The deep red to blackish red, globose fruits can be 5 - 10mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

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

Other Uses

The heartwood is reddish-brown; the sapwood is lighter in colour. The wood is heavy, very hard, close grained. It requires very careful seasoning to overcome its natural tendency to check. A good quality wood, valued by cabinet makers, it is used for small tools, mathematical instruments, rollers etc[, , ].
The wood makes a good fuel and also 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 of many species in this genus usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c - this species, however, has proved to be very difficult to germinate successfully. Researchers recommend selecting seeds carefully, using sterilized soil and distilled or deionized water, supplementing natural sunlight with artificial light to extend daylength, and carefully controlling fungus. Seedlings should never be exposed to direct sunlight until well conditioned[, ]. 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[, ].