Herb: Madrono


Latin name: Arbutus xalapensis


Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)



Edible parts of Madrono:

Fruit - raw.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Tree

Height:
12 m
(39 feet)

Flowering:
July to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Drier oak forests from Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon southwards. Usually found on limestone soils at elevations up to 3,000 metres.

Propagation of Madrono:

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:

Drier oak forests from Sinaloa, Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon southwards. Usually found on limestone soils at elevations up to 3,000 metres.

Medicinal use of Madrono:

None known

Known hazards of Arbutus xalapensis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.