Christmas Berry

Photinia arbutifolia

Physical Characteristics

Photinia arbutifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in August, and the seeds ripen from November to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[46, 94, 105, 183, 257]. The fruits are 5 - 6mm across[260], they taste like common haws (Crataegus monogyna)[11]. Mealy, astringent and acid[82, 85]. Best if a little sugar is added to sweeten them. They can also be dried, ground into a powder and made into a mush or fermented into a cider[183]. A slight cooking removes any bitter taste[92]. Native North American Indians would often place them in a basket close to the fire and keep turning them until they had wilted before eating them[257].

Medicinal Uses

Stomachic An infusion of the bark and leaves has been used as a wash for infected wounds[257]. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach aches, plus various other aches and pains[84, 92, 257].

Known Hazards

None known