Spaghetti grows on trees too, I hear

When I see an article in the Irish Independant newspaper called "How to keep the green in your garden", I figure it must be worth reading. I mean, who would know better than the Irish?

Alas, it's not a terribly exciting article. She does recommend something called a "strawberry tree". Now what the heck is that? Do strawberries now grow on trees? How did I miss that one?

Slow blog day. Sorry.

Comments

[Mike Bush]

Hi, Sandy,

Strawberry tree is a member of the blueberry family and has a flower that shows this resemblance. It is native to Ireland, and southward to the Mediterranean. Evergreen, it has great reddish and peeling bark. This link at the UBC Botanical Garden (its a GREAT site!) in Vancouver has some photos and additional info: http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2005/12/arbutus_unedo_f_rubra.php.

As you can see the common name Strawberry Tree comes from the look of the fruit - which is truly not palatable - while listed as edible...

I'm pleased to see that you are sharing more frequently of late.

Best!

Mike

[Sandy]

Aha! Now I understand. Thanks Mike. And yes, the Daniel's Botany Photo of the Day site is fantastic, highly recommended. The UBC Botanical Gardens is well worth a visit if you're ever in Vancouver.