17.Strawberry Tree

Specimen Size: 32.6ft tall, 9.75in in diameter.

Location: On the west end of Loew Hall stand two specimens of this species.

Historical Background: Able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and conditions, this tree is particularly ecologically important in Mediterranean regions due to its ability to withstand wildfires and sprout back from the roots. This allows them to be important in preventing erosion and resisting invasive species. The edible berries are used in the production of alcohol distillate (they are not the most palatable even though they can be eaten raw). It is believed that the plant resists some of the pathogens which plague it via a symbiotic relationship with endophytic bacteria living within it.

Non Native

Native Range: A native of southwest Ireland, southern Europe, and Asia Minor.

Identifying Features: A relative of our own native Pacific Madrone (seen also on this tour), the Strawberry tree exhibits several similar qualities. Finely fissured bark of a light brown to deep red color shows off still more fissured bark beneath (unlike the madrone which peels to reveal smooth greenish white bark). Its leaves are shiny and waxy, very dark green on the tops with lighter undersides, and much smaller than its local relative. They are also serrated, differentiating them from the smooth margined leaves of the Madrona. The fruit of this tree is the source of its name, roundish and orange pink in color these warty fruit appear at a small distance similar to a small strawberry. The fruits are edible however many acclaim them to be less than palatable (the name unedo means “I eat only one”).

Identifying Features In Depth:

1. Form: A broad crowned tree growing up to 32’ (10m) in height and generally exhibiting low apical control (an understory tree or shrub here in the Pacific Northwest). Foliage is evergreen and thick, often showing multiple shades of green due to different shading on opposing sides of each leaf.

2. Leaves: Small and ovular tapering abruptly to a point with lightly toothed margins. Alternate variable growing pattern with shiny dark tops and paler undersides. Pinnate venation pattern, veins a much lighter shade of green. Leaves are about 4” (10cm) in length, connected via a hairy 7mm petiole. 

3. Bark: Flakey and tight, graying on older bark with reddish orange bark beneath. Flakes are generally more fibrous and smaller than that of the Pacific Madrone.

4. Reproductive Bodies: Small cluster of bell like flowers resembling those of huckleberries give rise to relatively large fruit, round with a diameter of about ⅘” (2cm) attached via a long stem. Flowers are white to pink in color and about 6mm across, growing in groups of 15-20 and opening in October to December. The fruit is warty and green yellow when unripe, ripening to a pink-red color just as new flowers are appearing.