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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw[K]. A pleasant texture with a sweet but delicate flavour, the fruit is considered to be insipid by many people[K]. Very similar in size and taste to the strawberry tree, A. unedo[K], though it is not usually borne very freely[1].

Fruit

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Arbutus x andrachnoides.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Arbutus x andrachnoides.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Secondary canopy

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

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[2]. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps[3]. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°c[3]. 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]. This species is a hybrid and is unlikely to breed true from seed.

Basal cuttings in late winter[1]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage[2].

Layering of young wood - can take 2 years[5][1].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Arbutus x andrachnoides. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a lime-free nutrient-rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position with shelter from cold drying winds, especially when young[1]. Unlike most members of this genus, this species thrives on a limy soil[4][1].

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[4]. A naturally occurring hybrid between A. unedo and A. andrachne[1]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[1]. Trees rarely produce fruit in Britain[1]. Plants resent root disturbance and are best placed in their final positions whilst young[6][3]. Give them some protection in their first winter.

Plants sometimes flower in the spring, but more usually in the late autumn and early winter.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Arbutus x andrachnoides. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Arbutus x andrachnoides.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Arbutus x andrachnoides
Genus
Arbutus
Family
Ericaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    10 x 8 meters
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.9 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (1989-00-00)
    5. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)