Arbutus

Originating from the Mediterranean basin, the Arbutus or Strawberry tree was considered as a sacred tree in Ancient Rome. A perennial shrub, it is fairly widespread at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette® and very commonly-found in the Var area, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur.

Children (and their parents!) love its fruit, also referred to as Chinese strawberries (hence the name Strawberry tree). Similarly to strawberries, the berries are a succulent red colour and full of pips.

Although slightly floury in texture, they are very tasty and offer a treat for our Provencal tastebuds in autumn! The flowers resemble little, white bells. They bloom at the same time as the fruit appears, and the flowers from one year become the fruit of the next.

The arbutus is known as a pyrophyte plant as its subterranean roots are very rich in silicium and do not burn, allowing the shrub to spring back to life after a forest fire. It grows on acidic or neutral soils and you’ll often come across it during your strolls through Provence, especially if you’re exploring Nos Coins de Paradis ® (Our Corners of Paradise).