Arbutus ‘Marina’ Strawberry arbutus, Pacific madrone, madroño, madroña, bearberry
Strawberry arbutus is a hybrid two Arbutus species, both believed to be native to Europe, originating in the Mediterranean region. The cross is between Arbutus unedo and A. andrachne. This is one of several genetic examples in the low latitudes of Europe, known as Arbutus x andrachnoides. Scott Jones of www.plantcomprehensive.com was kind enough to correct the identification of the tree in San Francisco. Identification: The strawberry arbutus’ most arresting feature is its bright red-orange bark, which constantly peels away from the tree. These trees reach up to 90' (27 m), but are more commonly half this size. A similar tree, the pacific madrone, is native to North America, but this hybrid is more robust and is chosen for urban plantings. The native species is sensitive to soil conditions, and is declining over its range. Online References:
The USDA Forest Service's Fire Effects Information Database Plants for a Future, a resource and information centre for edible and otherwise useful plants The USDA Forest Service's Silvics of North America site 6/13/2007 · Waterfront near Ghirardelli factory, San Francisco, California
Arbutus ‘Marina’ description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020. © FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved. |
4/6/2011 · Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Maryland 6/13/2007 · Waterfront near Ghirardelli factory, San Francisco, California 4/6/2011 · Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Maryland 8/28/2007 · Valley of the Rogue State Park, Oregon
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