Arbutus tree

Fernwood, Saltpsring Island.

The Arbutus tree is also known under other names, for instance Madrona, whitch is Spanish and means Strawberry. This is due to a superficial similarity between its edible berries and strawberries. The tree is emblematic for the North American west coast. It has some unusual properties. It is an evergreen. The bark flakes. The berries ripen very slowly, so you find previous years berries on a tree at the same time as flowers. The tree can have a very beautiful shape, but you don't want it in your garden because of the litter.