Wild One Cyprus

foraging food

Strawberry tree

Αντρουκλιά

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Scientific Name: Arbutus andrachne

other names: Κόμαρος, ανδράχνη

AVAILABLE: NOV-DEC

EDIBLE PARTS:

Description

an evergreen shrub or small tree up to 5m
thin red bark on the trunk peeling in flakes to show a light green/grey layer
many branches with smooth red new stems
alternateleaflets arranged alternately, ellipticoval-shaped, small or no point leathery, glossy green leaves above, lighter below with finely serrate teeth forward-pointing margins
small round red berries when ripe

preparation

pick the fruit, known as arbutus berries, when they have turned from green to a vibrant red or orange color when ripe
when ripe, slightly soft to the touch, the flavour is a combination of strawberry and kiwi
use gloves to pick as the leaves and branches can be prickly
the fruit can be made into jam, alcholic drink and dried

extra info

Arbutus unedo and Arbutus ×andrachnoides (cross of Arbutus andrachne and Arbutus unedo) can be found on the western part of the island at elevations less than 500m. The bark is rough and fibrous and the fruits are 1.5-2 cm diameter.

Arbutus andrachne can be found on the western part of the island including elevations above 500m and the on the Pentadaktykos mountain range. The bark is smooth and flaky and the fruits are less than 1.3 cm diameter.