Strawberry tree

Introduction

S "imagine a sort of giant cherry, with yellow and fleshy pulp, with a grainy surface covered with rigid tubercles: it is under this guise that the strawberry trees appear, fruits of the homonymous plant known in botany as Arbutus unedo. In the spoken language, the strawberry tree is also famous as albatross: it is a small tree or, better said, bush, belonging to the same family as the blueberry, the Ericaceae.

An ancient symbol of the Tricolor, the strawberry tree plant takes on a characteristic triple color in autumn: the white of the flowers, the red of the fruits and the green of the leaves refer to the Italian flag.

Term analysis

Like countless plant names, the strawberry tree also derives its origin from ancient Greek: precisely, the archaic term is κόμαρος and it is from this name that, over the years, many and further dialectal nicknames attributed to the strawberry tree plant derived.

Generality

The strawberry tree has very ancient origins: so much so that it is even mentioned in a passage from the Aeneid.
Although the strawberry tree is native to the Mediterranean scrub, over the years it has spread to the Nordic regions, even reaching Ireland.
The plant is often grown for ornamental use, given its decorative peculiarity; in any case, the fruits are edible and their use has long been known also in phytotherapy, thanks to the astringent and, above all, disinfectant virtues of the urinary tract.

Botanical description

In the botanical nomenclature, the strawberry tree is Arbutus unedo: the plant in question is a very branched evergreen shrub, both cultivated and re-wild. It can take on heights ranging from one to eight meters. The strawberry tree is characterized by leathery, glossy, oval-shaped and very extensive leaves (length: 10-12 cm, width 2-4 cm), with a serrated and irregular margin.
The flowers, very particular and bell-shaped, are gathered in pendulous panicles; as we have already analyzed, the flowers are white, sometimes pink, and pour out very small teeth, an unmistakable characteristic.
The anthers of the strawberry tree flowers attract many bees to them because they are very rich in nectar: ​​the problem is represented by the flowering period, between October and November, in which bees are not always active. In any case, the honey obtained has a delicate taste, with a particular bitter note.
The strawberry tree plant blooms and bears fruit at the same time: this joke of Nature is explained by the fact that the fruits derive from the flowers of the previous year [taken from Reasoned dictionary of herbal medicine and phytotherapy, by A. Bruni, M. Nicoletti]
The fruits, red and as big as a cherry, have a yellow flesh and a tuberculous surface.

Chemical analysis and properties

The strawberry tree boasts numerous properties, most of which is attributed to tannins, which make up a rather substantial amount: in this regard, the strawberry tree is used in herbal medicine as a disinfectant of the urinary tract. The extract is also characterized by arbutin, a hydroquinone glycoside which is excellent for the treatment of cystitis and urinary inflammations in general. In any case, in the strawberry tree the content of arbutin, compared to that of the bearberry, is decidedly lower.
Only recently, some components have been isolated in the strawberry tree: iridoids gardenoside and asperuloside.
The phytocomplex extracted from the strawberry tree ensures disinfectant, strongly astringent and diuretic (mild) properties. In phytotherapy, the use of strawberry tree in the form of an infusion is recommended in case of intestinal inflammation. the cascade of events that feed urethritis, thus favoring the repair of the urethral mucosa.
It is necessary not to exceed the doses: excessive use of strawberry tree and products based on it, can cause damage to the gastrointestinal level. As with all herbal products, even the strawberry tree can give interactions with drugs: in this regard, it is good to point out to the doctor or herbalist which pharmacological substances you are taking.

Summary

Corbezzolo: to fix the concepts ...

Strawberry tree: nomenclature Common name: strawberry tree, albatross
Botanical name: Arbutus unedo Strawberry tree: origin of the term "Strawberry tree" derives from the ancient Greek (κόμαρος), a term from which a multitude of dialect nicknames derived over the years Strawberry tree: symbolism Strawberry tree → Tricolor: white flowers, green leaves and red fruits Strawberry tree: fruit Comparable to a giant cherry with yellow flesh and grainy surface covered with rigid tubercles Strawberry tree: general characteristics Origin: Mediterranean scrub
Current distribution: Nordic regions, Ireland
Uses: ornamental-decorative, food, phytotherapeutic Strawberry tree: botanical description

• Botanical name: Arbustus unedo
• Family: Ericacee
• Short description: highly branched evergreen shrub, both cultivated and re-wild
• Height: 1-8 meters
• Flowers: very particular and bell-shaped, gathered in pendulous panicles. White or rosé
• Flower anthers: very rich in nectar
• Flowering: October and November
• Flowering and fruiting: occur at the same time (the fruits derive from the flowers of the previous year)

Strawberry tree: chemical analysis of the components Tannins
Arbutin (hydroquinone glucoside)
Iridoids: gardenoside and asperuloside Strawberry tree: medicinal properties

• Disinfectant of the urinary tract
• Natural remedy against cystitis and urinary inflammation
• Disinfectant, strongly astringent and diuretic properties
• Recommended in case of intestinal inflammation
• Mother tincture of strawberry tree: useful in case of prostatic and urethral affections

Strawberry tree: contraindications Excessive use → gastrointestinal damage
Possible drug interactions