W. Europe and Mediterranean
"This plant also has an important role from the ecological point of view. It helps to maintain the diversity of the fauna, avoids erosion of the soils, it regenerates rapidly after fires, grows in poor soils and it may be used for phytoremediation, namely against arsenic contamination." [1]
"Arbutus unedo has been long used in folk medicine, throughout Mediterranean countries, with the employment of infusions and decoctions of almost all parts of this plant: leaves, fruits, barks and roots." [1]
"The fruits, even though edible, are usually consumed as jams, marmalades or distilled into liquors. Strawberry-tree honey is popular for its strong and distinctly bitter taste and has also been subject to some studies. Organic acid composition, its total contents of phenolic compounds, as well as its physicochemical and melissopalynological properties are known. The production of jams, liquors and honey based on A. unedo represent an economic importance of this shrub in rural areas." [1]
[1] Bento, I., & Pereira, J. A. (2011). Arbutus unedo L. and its benefits on human health. J. Food Nutr. Res, 50, 73-85.
