Canary Island strawberry tree, Canary madrona
Arbutus canariensis
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A tree. It has a neat round crown. It grows to 4.5 m high. It spreads to 3.5 m wide. It can grow 15 m tall. The bark is flaky and reddish-brown. The flowers are small and pink and occur in clusters which hang downwards. The fruit are soft and green. These occur in large bunches. The fruit are about 12 mm across. They turn red when the are ripe.
There are 14 Arbutus species.
Where it is found
It is a warm temperate plant. They suit cool, humid conditions. They can grow in peaty, acid or alkaline soils. They need a fertile, humus-rich and well-drained soil. It does best in full sun. It grows in cloud forest in the Canary Islands. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania. National Arboretum Canberra.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canary Island (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
They can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Madrono