The western strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) is native to all Mediterranean countries and north Africa. The evergreen trees usually stay small, typically 2-3 meters, but can grow up to 10 meters height. They have dark green leaves, the most eye-catching fruits are of orange to bright red colour and look like strawberries, thus giving name to the tree. In Portugal a very strong liquor is made of these, called Aguardente de Medronho. The strawberry tree has very hard and dense wood, that shows a pale reddish colour and is used for multiple purposes in Mediterranean countries as well as it is simply used as firewood.
