Strawberry tree

Native to the Mediterranean, and first introduced into Britain in the 16th century, over the centuries the Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) has become naturalized in the lower half of Britain. Though I don't commonly see this tree about, there are several examples growing up the hill. It's a tree worth knowing, as it has an amazing range of properties: it's an astringent, diuretic, urinary anti-septic, antiseptic, intoxicant, rheumatism, a tonic, a source of antioxidants, it's used in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes, and it's leaves have anti inflammatory qualities. Not only that, you can eat the fruits which have a high sugar content. Natures bounty never ceases to amaze me.