Arbutus unedo - Strawberry tree - (Ericaceae)

Arbutus unedo

This exotic-looking evergreen tree is a member of the Heath family (Ericaceae) and grows up to around 12 metres. It is a native of Portugal but occurs mainly in the hilly areas behind the coast in the Algarve region. The fruits, which resemble a lychee rather than a strawberry, take a year to ripen so it is common to see both flowers and ripe fruit on the plant at the same time. Although the fruit do not taste anywhere near as nice as they look (or a bit like lychees), the Portuguese make a brandy-like alcholic drink from them which is called Aguardente de Medronho.

The Strawberry tree occurs throughout the Mediterranean but is rather rare in the eastern part and in North Africa.

This specimen was photographed in the Algarve, close to Monchique, in May.