Practical
Plants

Arbutus canariensis

Canary Madrona

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Arbutus genus in the family Ericaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Arbutus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
10 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fruit is made into a sweetmeat[5][3].

Plant part
Fruit

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Secondary canopy

Environment

Range
Canary Isles.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
very acid, acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 - 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse[7]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[2]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c[2]. Seedlings are prone to damp off[4], they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts[K]. Basal cuttings in late winter[6]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage[7]. Layering of young wood - can take 2 years[1][6].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in sun or semi-shade and shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[6]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  3. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩

  5. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  7. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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