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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Arbutus x andrachnoides is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw[K]. A pleasant texture with a sweet but delicate flavour, the fruit is considered to be insipid by many people[K]. Very similar in size and taste to the strawberry tree, A. unedo[K], though it is not usually borne very freely[200].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[200]. Unlike most members of this genus, this species thrives on a limy soil[184, 200]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. A naturally occurring hybrid between A. unedo and A. andrachne[200]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[200]. Trees rarely produce fruit in Britain[200]. Plants resent root disturbance and are best placed in their final positions whilst young[11, 134]. Give them some protection in their first winter. Plants sometimes flower in the spring, but more usually in the late autumn and early winter.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant 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[78]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[134]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c[134]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[184], 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[K]. This species is a hybrid and is unlikely to breed true from seed. Basal cuttings in late winter[200]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage[78]. Layering of young wood - can take 2 years[1, 200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Arbutus andrachne	Grecian StrawberryTree	Tree	6.0	7-10	S	LM	N	DM	3	0	3
Arbutus arizonica	Arizona Maderone	Tree	15.0	5-9	S	LM	SN	DM	2	1	2
Arbutus canariensis	Canary Madrona	Tree	10.0	7-10		LM	SN	M	2	0
Arbutus menziesii	Madrona, Pacific madrone, Pacific Madrone	Tree	15.0	8-9	M	LM	SN	DM	3	2	2
Arbutus texana	Texas Madrone	Tree	8.0	7-10	S	LM	SN	DM	2	1	2
Arbutus unedo	Strawberry Tree	Tree	9.0	7-11	M	LM	SN	DM	4	2	2
Arbutus xalapensis	Madrono, Texas madrone	Tree	12.0	7-10	S	LM	SN	DM	2	0
Epigaea repens	Mayflower, Trailing arbutus, Ground Laurel	Shrub	0.1	3-8		LM	S	M	2	2	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Arbutus x andrachnoides - Link.