Arbutus andrachne is an evergreen, small tree in Ericaceae family. The tree can reach up to 12 meters height. It is native to the Mediterranean region: Tunisia to Morocco along the north of Africa, and from Spain to Turkey and also there is Euro-Siberian populations:  Azerbaijan; Armenia; Georgia, Ukraine; Russian Federation.

Strawberry Tree has dark green, simple, alternate, elliptic-ovate, 8-10 cm long, slightly fleshy leaves. The trunk of the tree is reddish; the smooth bark is exfoliating during the summer, leaving a layer with a light green colour, than changes to a beautiful orange brown. The flowers bloom in spring. They are white to yellowish, in clusters about 5 cm long. Its orange-red, spherical fruits are 1-2 cm, look like strawberry fruit. They ripen in autumn. The ripening of Arbutus andrachne fruits lasts about 7 months, while at the Arbutus unedo lasts about 12 months.

Strawberry Tree is quite resistant to drought, if burned; its deep rhizome allows it to re-grow very soon. Arbutus andrachne with more prominent winter dormancy and short simultaneously ripening, represent its adaptation to more severe climatic conditions of the northern Black Sea. It tolerates to at least -10ºC. Propagation     can be done by seed.

Use in Landscape: Strawberry Tree is an attractive evergreen shade tree, also a superb plant to grow as a specimen in a lawn. The tree tolerates pruning when branches are young to help keep in bounds, and can make an attractive informal hedge. If trained as a specimen tree, can be used as street tree. Arbutus andrachne is tolerating summer droughts, as developing strong, shallow, lateral roots is suitable for use in soil stabilization projects. The flowers are a good source of nectar and attract bees. 

Arbutus andrachne and Arbutus unedo fruits have a nice flavour if consumed in overripe condition and have a wide range of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, niacin, carotenoids and polyphenolic compounds. Both are edible fruits; can be used for making jams, pies, muffins and candy.

Like many other members of the Ericaceae, Arbutus species are dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for the acquisition of nutrients and water from the soil in exchange for host-derived carbon.  A limited diversity or lack of compatible mycorrhizal fungi can significantly impede plant growth.