Herb: Arizona Maderone


Latin name: Arbutus arizonica


Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)



Medicinal use of Arizona Maderone:

The bitter principles in the bark and leaves can be used as an astringent.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
15 m
(49 feet)

Flowering:
May

Habitat of the herb:

Dry gravelly benches, 1800 - 2400 metres.

Edible parts of Arizona Maderone:

Fruit - raw. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter with a thin sweetish flesh.

Other uses of the herb:

Wood - heavy, soft, close-grained, brittle. It produces a fine grade of charcoal.

Propagation of Arizona Maderone:

Seed - best surface sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be soaked for 5 - 6 days in warm water and then surface sown in a shady position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to become dry. 6 weeks cold stratification helps. The seed usually germinates well in 2 - 3 months at 20°C. Seedlings are prone to damp off, they are best transplanted to individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings in late winter. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, November/December in a frame. Poor percentage. Layering of young wood - can take 2 years.

Cultivation of the herb:

Dry gravelly benches, 1800 - 2400 metres.

Known hazards of Arbutus arizonica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.