Arbutus facts for kids
Arbutus is a group of flowering plants that belong to the Ericaceae family. There are about 12 different kinds, or species, of Arbutus plants. They mostly grow around the Mediterranean Sea and in Central America.
The most well-known species is called Arbutus unedo. You might know it better as the strawberry tree. All Arbutus plants are either trees or shrubs. This means they can be tall and woody like a tree, or smaller and bushy like a shrub.
What makes Arbutus special?
Arbutus plants are known for their beautiful bark and fruit. Many of them have reddish-brown bark that peels off in thin layers. This can make them look very interesting! Their fruits often look like small berries, and some are even edible, like the fruit of the strawberry tree.
Who uses Arbutus plants?
Some types of Lepidoptera, which are butterflies and moths, use Arbutus plants as a food source. This means the caterpillars eat the leaves. People also like to grow some Arbutus species in their gardens. They are grown as ornamental plants because they look pretty, even in places far from where they naturally grow.
See also
In Spanish: Arbutus para niños
Images for kids
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Arbutus menziesii with a lignotuber near the ground. This helps the plant regrow if it gets damaged by fire. Notice the smooth orange bark on the upper part of the trunk.
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The bear and the strawberry tree statue at Puerta del Sol, Madrid.
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Arbutus andrachne
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The hybrid Arbutus × thuretiana
