Arbutus unedo

A tree or shrub with a globular, irregular crown, reaching a height of 4.5 to 6 m and a diameter of 3-4 m. It is an evergreen with a moderate growth rate. The trunk is erect and sinuous, with many branches; the twigs are covered with fine hairs; the bark is brown, rough, with reddish patches. The leaves are simple, elliptical-lanceolate, 5-10 cm long, with a serrated edge, dark green in color, glossy on the upper surface (alternate). The flowers are grouped in terminal, pendulous clusters, 7-8 cm long, with a white or pink corolla and a red peduncle. It flowers from October to December, but even until February in favorable areas. Flowering often occurs at the same time as the fruit ripening, produced by the previous year's flowers. The fruits are spherical berries, about 2 cm in diameter, bright red in color, with a grainy surface. Highly aesthetically pleasing, the fruits are edible but completely tasteless.