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Arbutus unedo
Small tree that grows to 5–10 m tall, rarely up to 15 m, typical of the Mediterranean forest. The leaves are dark green and glossy, 5–10 cm long and 2–3 cm broad, with a serrated margin.The hermaphrodite flowers are white, bell-shaped, 4–6 mm diameter, produced panicles of 10–30 together in autumn. They are pollinated by bees. The fruit is a red berry, 1–2 cm diameter, with a rough surface, maturing 12 months at the same time as the next flowering. The fruit is edible, though many people find it bland and meally; the name 'unedo' is explained by Pliny the Elder as being derived from unum edo "I eat one", because of the high content of alcohol in the berries, since due to their long stay and ripening on the tree can suffer fermentations.
Mediterranean forest, Parque Nacional de Monfragüe
Spotted on Nov 3, 2012
Submitted on Dec 9, 2012
1 Comment
This is a lovely tree. I think this may be the tree we call "Lily Of The Valley "