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arbutus andrachne - L.

Common Name Grecian StrawberryTree
Family Ericaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Evergreen scrub and rocky slopes[45] on limestone, serpentine and igneous rocks in areas that are very dry in summer[184].
Range S.E. Europe. W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
arbutus andrachne Grecian StrawberryTree


(c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future
arbutus andrachne Grecian StrawberryTree
(c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
arbutus andrachne is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 22, 46, 105, 183, K]. A luscious, juicy texture with a sweet but insipid flavour[K]. Many people do not like eating more than a few of the raw fruits, though I find them very acceptable[K]. They make a good cooked fruit in preserves etc[K]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter[200].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Wood

Plants can be grown as a hedge, they are tolerant of some trimming[188]. Wood - hard, close-grained.

Special Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[200]. Requires a lime-free soil according to some reports[1, 134], but it thrives on a limy soil according to other reports[11, 182, 200]. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. The flowers are sweetly scented[245]. Dislikes being transplanted, it should be placed in its final position whilst young, giving some protection in its first winter outdoors[11, 134]. Plants are very slow growing. Most plants cultivated under this name are in fact A. x andrachnoides 'Serratula'[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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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]. 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

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Arbutus andrachneGrecian StrawberryTreeTree6.0 7-10 SLMNDM303
Arbutus arizonicaArizona MaderoneTree15.0 5-9 SLMSNDM212
Arbutus canariensisCanary MadronaTree10.0 7-10  LMSNM20 
Arbutus menziesiiMadrona, Pacific madrone, Pacific MadroneTree15.0 8-9 MLMSNDM322
Arbutus texanaTexas MadroneTree8.0 7-10 SLMSNDM212
Arbutus unedoStrawberry TreeTree9.0 7-11 MLMSNDM422
Arbutus x andrachnoides Tree10.0 7-10 MLMHSNM40 
Arbutus xalapensisMadrono, Texas madroneTree12.0 7-10 SLMSNDM20 
Epigaea repensMayflower, Trailing arbutus, Ground LaurelShrub0.1 3-8  LMSM222

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.

 

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Botanical References

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