Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) – The strawberry tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree cultivated both for its ornamental value and edible berries. Though its fruits have a slightly mealy texture when eaten raw, their tart, strawberry-like flavor makes them ideal for jams, sorbets, and alcoholic beverages. Both the leaves and fruits are also used in traditional medicine. Native to temperate coastal regions of the Mediterranean, the plant has been introduced to the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Tasmania, and the Canary Islands. Strawberries are highly nutritious and low in calories, with about 32 calories per 100 grams. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing more than 50% of the daily requirement in a single serving, and also contain dietary fiber that supports digestion. In addition, strawberries provide antioxidants such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. They also supply essential minerals including potassium, manganese, and folate, which support heart health, bone strength, and overall metabolism. Their high water content and natural sweetness make them hydrating, refreshing, and beneficial for maintaining a balanced diet.
Typically, the strawberry tree has multiple trunks, though ornamental specimens are often pruned to a single trunk. It usually grows wider than tall, forming a broad, shady crown, and can reach heights of 7 meters (23 feet) or more. Its shaggy bark is dark red-brown or gray, peeling to reveal cream to red-brown wood. Slow-growing but hardy, it thrives in well-drained soil, tolerates full sun or partial shade, and is propagated by seed or cuttings, though it does not perform well in very humid or extremely cold climates.
In Kenya, strawberry cultivation is gaining popularity in highland regions such as Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Thika, and parts of the Rift Valley, where cooler temperatures and well-drained soils favor growth. Popular varieties include Chandler, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, and Festival, grown for fresh consumption, jams, juices, desserts, and export markets. Strawberries are typically planted on raised beds with drip irrigation, which optimizes moisture and reduces disease, producing commercial yields of 10–20 tons per acre per season under good management.