Tree/shrub in the garden for ID

[chrishorak]

I've been wondering about this tree/shrub in the garden for a while, perhaps someone here can identify it for me?





Any ideas?

[davidbr]

It's Strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo) - a common Mediterranean shrub that's escaped into the wild in a few places over here.

[diggleken]

Agree with David, Strawberry tree - seen in the wild in and around Cork/Kerry so presumably a bought specimen.
I believe not escaped into the wild in Ireland, just not eradicated or lost there, thought to be native I think.
Lovely tree!
Ken

[chrishorak]

Thanks, it looks like an interesting tree with some interesting fruit.

[The Woodman]

Just a note about the fruit.

I saw the Strawberry Trees at Tullie House Museum, Carlisle loaded with fruit last year and couldn't resist trying a couple. They don't taste as good as they look being rather dry and a tad woody. No doubt there's a recipe for them some where!

[chrishorak]

Thanks. We have been in the house a year, but I haven't seen the fruit. It seems like they take a very long time to mature and I pruned it very hard when I first moved in, so I guess it got rid of that crop of fruit. Hopefully some of these will mature.
But good to finally find out what it is.

Chris