Explore Arbutus andrachne (Greek Strawberry Tree) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Arbutus andrachne | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Greek Strawberry Tree
Family: Ericaceae
Appearance: Evergreen shrub or small tree with smooth, cinnamon-colored bark that peels annually, revealing a new layer underneath. It has leathery, dark green leaves and produces small white to pink bell-shaped flowers, followed by round, red-orange fruits.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Shrub/Small Tree
Root System: Shallow, spreading root system
Height: 5–12 meters
Width: 4–8 meters
Lifespan: Over 100 years
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees and other pollinators
Toxicity: Fruits are edible but may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in large amounts.
Arbutus andrachne | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Eastern Mediterranean, including Greece and Turkey
Companionship: Grows well with other Mediterranean shrubs and drought-tolerant plants
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: High tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: High tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
Soil PH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagated by seeds, may require cold stratification
Cuttings: Hardwood cuttings can be used
Arbutus andrachne | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: The fruit is edible, though not commonly consumed
Medicinal: Has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including gastrointestinal issues
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Fruits occasionally eaten by wildlife
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Occasionally used for small woodworking projects and crafting
Firewood: Excellent firewood, burns slowly
Wind Break: Can be used as a windbreak in agroforestry systems
Fence: Not used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other insects
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides food and habitat for birds and small mammals
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