The Madrono (Arbutus xalapensis)

The Madrono (Arbutus xalapensis) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach 15 metres in height, usually multi-stemmed. It has a brownish-orange outer bark that peels off in strips, showing the new, smooth inner bark with colours ranging from white to orange, apricot and dark red. It is native to the south-west of the USA and Mexico, where it grows in dry oak forests in mountains up to 3000 metres above sea level. The flowers are pollinated by bees and the fruits are edible and a source of food for wildlife. The specific restrictive of the species xalapensis, refers to the Mexican city of Jalapa/Xalapa. It is much appreciated as an ornamental tree for its flowering and fruiting and for its original bark. The specimen in the Botanical Garden of the University of Porto was planted in 1965 and is classified as a Tree of Public Interest because it is a rare species in an urban environment.