Arbutus Unedo, the strawberry tree, starts to produce its fruit in Autumn. A cluster of tiny bell shaped flowers appear first, and then the berries, which are used to make a fiery spirit, medronho. Use the slider to see both, in this, my penultimate KindaSquare. Becky has some lovely thoughts to share today. Don’t miss them!
restlessjo 
LOVE the slider JO – you’ve got that down !!! What a bizarre looking fruit! The image on the right makes them look like tennis balls!
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Thanks a lot, Tina 🙂 🙂 The actual fruit is about the size of a cherry.
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Very interesting. Do the birds like them?
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That’s a good 4uestion, Carol. They have a very bland taste until distilled so you might expect so, but I didn’t see any evidence of that. 🙂 🙂
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Now I see the use of the slider and it worked quite well, Jo. I read that Europe is in lockdown again, although I don’t know what it will be like in Portugal. What a year it’s been! I hope despite everything, that you have a wonderful weekend. ❤
janet
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I’ve been waiting for something I could effectively use the slider on, Janet, so I’m glad you felt this worked. 🙂 🙂 Not locked down exactly but there are more restrictions here. But I’ll do my best!
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Such vibrant contrasting colours! Lovely!
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The hillsides look lovely with so many of them, Rita 🙂 🙂
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I posted on this beautiful tree today too! Gorgeous colorful berries and I didn’t know they could be turned into a fiery spirit!
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I know! I left a comment at yours already 🤣💕
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Does it turn red and is it like a weed that just proliferates. I love eating the fruit..
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Yes it turns red, and is everywhere in the hills. I’m not fond of the fruit or the spirit, Lisa 😘💕
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I see them in albania a lot.. A friend tells me it is not good to eat too many as it messes with the stomach.. I like it.. 😉
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I’ve not heard of this fruit. Doesn’t sound like it would be very tasty eaten from the tree?
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Not really. I have been offered them on a plate as part of dessert but wasn’t greatly impressed, Elaine 🙂 🙂
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I have not heard of or seen these before Jo. The colours are so vibrant. Would love to try the fiery spirit. Sounds like it could warm one on a chilly winter day.
Hope all is well there Jo. xo
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Certainly a warmer-upper, Sue 🙂 🙂 Not my cup of tea, hon!
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i have never seen these but yes, they look lovely. love the orange and yellow ones! happy Friday, Jo! 🙂 🙂
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The hills are full of them at the minute, LolaWi, so it’s no wonder the spirit is readily available. I prefer to admire the trees though 🙂 🙂 Thanks, hon!
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Love the red and yellow ones, they are pretty, how is the taste?
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Not great. A bit tasteless really but the trees are pretty. 😘💕
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Never ever hard of a strawberry tree, they look kind of other-worldy in a nice sort of way. Pretty weird but weirdly pretty.
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Not the best thing I ever tasted but the trees look pretty, Jonno 🙄💕
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New one to me. Cheers to life’s diversity throughout the world. Have a good weekend.
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Thanks Frank! You too 🤣💕
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I have seen this tree, didn’t know you could make anything from the fruit. And Becky must surely be the kindest person out there.
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You’re not wrong! 🤗💕 Just off to Portuguese class in fear and trembling. As Mick says, I am a wuss! 🙄
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Going well is it? 🙄
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I’m not too bad with the text book but communicating with real people is a trial 😘💕
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It’s not an easy language.
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It has more to do with my tired old brain 🙂 🙂
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Wow! Those are too pretty to eat, Jo!
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They look better than they taste, Jill 🤣💕
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I’d love to try a glass of medronho. I don’t often drink spirits but I am game to try a new one (which is the reason why we have a relatively well stocked private bar at home: we buy a new bottle and about 10 years later we rediscover it, still half full). I’ve never heard of the strawberry tree. They kinda look like lychees, don’t they?
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Yes, I guess there’s a similarity. The fruit is a bit tasteless really. Just sweet. And the spirit knocks your head off 😘💕
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Interesting fruit Jo 🙂 Nice slider use too
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They weren’t common in our part of France, but we did see them from time to time. Thanks for the memories!
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I’m busy admiring your Christmas dried fruits 🙂 🙂
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And they were hard to buy in France. Portugal?
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Not so easy. Sultanas, yes. Dates- yum! 🙂 🙂
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🙂
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Morning to you and these colourful clusters!
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Good morning! Just onto my second cup of coffee 🙂 🙂
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Ah! I will need one pretty soon Jo
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Ahh the fruit of one of the most lethal apéritifs!
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PS and great use of the image compare 😀
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Thanks, hon! Photos are a bit blurry but the idea was good 🙂 🙂
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The idea was fabulous 😀
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I only tried it once. Not impressed, and I don’t much like the fruits, but It’s such a pretty tree and there are heaps right now. 🙂 🙂
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Exactly my thoughts!!
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The only place where I had a chance to see the Strawberry tree was in Dublin’s Botanical Gardens. I love its flowers and fruit. Thanks for sharing and have a good Friday ☺️ Aiva
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Thanks, Aiva. They are beautiful at this time of year and the hills are full of them 🙂 🙂
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