Arbutus canariensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arbutus canariensis |
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Arbutus
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canariensis
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The Canary Island Strawberry Tree, known in Spanish as madroño canario, is a special kind of shrub or tree. It belongs to the heath family, which also includes blueberries and heather.
This unique plant grows only in the Canary Islands of Spain. This means it is endemic to these islands. You can find it on Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, and La Palma.
Sadly, the Canary Island Strawberry Tree is currently threatened. Its biggest problem is habitat loss. This happens when the places where it naturally grows are destroyed or changed.
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About the Canary Island Strawberry Tree
The Canary Island Strawberry Tree is a beautiful plant. It can grow as a large shrub or a small tree. Its scientific name is Arbutus canariensis.
This tree is known for its pretty flowers and tasty fruits. The fruits look a bit like strawberries, which is how it got its common name. They are usually red or orange when ripe.
Where Does It Grow?
This tree is native to the Canary Islands. These islands are located off the northwest coast of Africa. They are part of Spain.
The Canary Island Strawberry Tree likes to grow in forests. It prefers places that are not too dry. It is an important part of the island's natural environment.
What Does It Look Like?
The leaves of the Canary Island Strawberry Tree are green all year round. They are long and shiny. The tree produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers.
These flowers are usually white or pinkish. They hang down in pretty bunches. After the flowers, the tree grows its round, reddish fruits.
The bark of the tree can also be interesting. It often has a reddish-brown color. This tree adds a lot of beauty to the Canary Island landscape.
What Are Plant Hybrids?
Sometimes, two different types of plants can mix. This creates a new plant called a hybrid. It has features from both parent plants.
One interesting hybrid is called Arbutus x thuretiana. The 'x' in the name means it's a hybrid. This plant is a mix of the Canary Island Strawberry Tree and another tree called Arbutus andrachne.
The Arbutus x thuretiana Hybrid
This special hybrid was named after a person called Gustave Thuret. You can find it growing naturally in a place called Jardin botanique de la Villa Thuret.
The Arbutus x thuretiana hybrid is famous for its bark. Its bark is very smooth and reddish-brown. But here's the cool part: in the spring, the old bark peels off!
When the old bark peels, it shows new bark underneath. This new bark is a surprising pistachio-green color. Over time, this green bark slowly gets darker. Then it turns reddish again, ready to peel next spring.
Gallery
- Different parts of ''Arbutus canariensis'' and its hybrid
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Foliage
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Flowers
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Fruits
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Bark
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Flowers of the hybrid Arbutus x thuretiana
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See also
In Spanish: Madroño canario para niños
