Kingdom Plantae Family Ericaceae Scientific name Arbutus andrachne Rank Species | Order Ericales Genus Arbutus Higher classification Madrones | |
 | ||
Similar Madrones, Gymnocalycium carminanthum, Hybrid Strawberry‑tree, Ericaceae, Oxybasis rubra | ||
Arbutus andrachne, commonly called the Greek strawberry tree, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and southwestern Asia.
Contents
Description
Arbutus andrachne can reach a height of about 12 meters. The smooth bark is exfoliating during the summer, leaving a layer with a pistachio green color, which changes gradually to a beautiful orange brown. The flowers bloom in Spring and are white or yellowish green. Its fruits ripen in Autumn.
Garden history
Arbutus andrachne was reported by Peter Collinson as having flowered first in England in Dr John Fothergill's extensive botanical garden and greenhouses at Upton House, Essex (now West Ham Park), in 1765.
In literature
"On leaving Bursa ... There was on the road a small tree bearing a fruit somewhat bigger than our largest cherries, and of the shape and taste of strawberries, but a little acid. It is pleasant to eat; but, if a great quantity be eaten, it mounts to the head, and intoxicates. It is ripe in November and December." Editor's footnote: "From the description, it seems to be the arbutus Andrachne."
