Grecian strawberry tree, Greek strawberry tree, Eastern strawberry tree
Arbutus andrachne
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 10 m tall. It can spread 6 m across. The bark is red-brown and peels in thin strips. The freshly exposed bark is orange-brown. The leaves are oval and 10 cm long by 5 cm wide. Sometimes they have teeth. They are glossy green above and paler underneath. They are smooth. The flowers are small and urn shaped. They are 6 mm long. They are green but white when they open. They are in upright clusters 10 cm long on the shoots. The fruit is a fairly smooth, rounded, orange-red berry. They are 1 cm across.
There are 14 Arbutus species. This one can cross with Arbutus unedo.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to SE Europe and SW Asia. It grows in woods, thickets and on rocky slopes. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Albania, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Cyprus, Europe, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for jam.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ağaç çileği, Ayı üzümü, Dağ çileği, Davulgu, Kaykab, Katlab, Qaiqab, Sandal ağacı