Tree id please

petermcgain · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2007, 09:05 PM

This tree is in our village churchyard and I don't think it is native. Can anyone tell me what it is (and perhaps what the wood is used for, where it comes from, etc) please? Thanks

ChrisJB · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007, 12:47 AM

Not 100 per cent, but looks a bit like Cyprus Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne).

Regards, Chris

Adam Cheeseman · #3 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007, 10:59 AM

Definitely one of the Strawberry Tree species (Arbutus).

Cheers,

Adam

petermcgain · #4 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007, 12:49 PM

Thanks Chris and Adam....Now I know what it is I've been looking it up on the internet and discovered the fruit is edible - shall try them next year!

JennyS · #5 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007, 01:28 PM

If its anything like the fruit of Arbutus unedo it'll be edible but not great eating!

Paul mabbott · #6 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007, 01:48 PM

Spectacular bark ... I've seen Arbutus spp before but don't remember them having trunks like this. Is it a particularly old one? Unusual tree to see in a graveyard?

petermcgain · #7 (**permalink**) 04-11-2007, 06:33 PM

Thanks for the replies Jenny and Paul. The tree doesn't LOOK very old but then not knowing much about the species I can't say for sure. It stands away from the grave stones so maybe it was an accidental seeding. When the evening sun shines on the bark it is very attractive.
Regards Peter.

span130502 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-11-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petermcgain

Thanks Chris and Adam....Now I know what it is I've been looking it up on the internet and discovered the fruit is edible - shall try them next year!

I may be wrong but i seem to remember that the fruit of a strawberry tree is hallucinatory. as i say i might be wrong and someone else may know more.

petermcgain · #9 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by span130502

I may be wrong but i seem to remember that the fruit of a strawberry tree is hallucinatory. as i say i might be wrong and someone else may know more.

Thanks for the tip! I've also heard the fruit is ok but rather bland and not an experiment worth repeating. Interestingly the tree appears to be native to both the Mediterranean AND South-west Ireland for reasons not entirely clear.