
Botanical Inventory: Trees
Index A-Z (Click on species for plant profile)
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Arbutus unedo - Strawberry Tree - Corbezello.
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Eucalyptus globulus - Eucalyptus - Eucalittu.
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Ficus carica - Fig Tree - Ficu.
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Juniperus macrocarpa ssp. Oxycedrus - Ginepro Rosso.
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Juniperus phoenicea - Turbine Juniper - Ginepro.
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Olea europaea (ssp. Oleaster) - Wild Olive - Olivastro.
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Quercus ilex ssp. Ilex - Holm Oak - Elce.
Listings
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Full Inventory A-Z
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Trees (Alberi)
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Shrubs (Arbusti)
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Sub-Shrubs (Sub-Arbusti)
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Climbers (Rampicante)
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Herbaceous (Erbaceo)
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Geophytes & Succulents (Geofite & Succulente)
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Grasses & Sedges (Erbe & Carici)
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Lichens & Bryophytes (Licheni & Briofite)
Arbutus unedo - Strawberry Tree - Corbezzolo - Aridoni.


Local Distribution: Uncommon, occasional around Oak woodland edges.
Locations: Teschio Woodland, Calcareous Macchia.
Habitat: Quercus Forest, Arborescent Macchia Calcarea.
Status: Native, IUCN Red List - Least Concern.
Taxonomic Notes: Family - Ericaceae.
Valle Species Action Plan: To be added.
Ecological Aspects: The flowers provide high levels of nectar & pollen for Bees who act as pollinators. The fruit is food for Birds & Mammals who disperse the seed. Invertebrates may hibernate throughout winter in the tree bark.
Ethnobotanical Uses: The fruits may be eaten (best when fresh) and are used in jams, marmalades, yoghurt & to make an alcoholic beverage (common in Corsica, Portugal & Albania). The bitter honey is considered a delicacy. The name Unedo is attributed to Pliny the Elder who allegedly claimed "unum tanto edo", meaning I only eat 1. If many area eaten fresh this can result in a stomach ache. They are composed of a high sugar content (approx. 40%) and antioxidants - Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, Tocopherols & Organic Acids that are pre-cursors to Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids. The leaves are used in folk medicine as a decoction and contain high levels of flavonol antioxidants & have anti-inflammatory properties. Other reported properties include: astringent, diuretic, urinary anti-septic, used as a tonic & intoxicant, for rheumatism & more recently hypertension & diabetes. The wood is quite hard & ornamental & used to make items like pipes or for good firewood. Not widely used in construction as it does not grow straight, but can make a good stick. Used in permaculture and ornamentally in gardens & planters. Also in ecological restoration for preventing desertification as a pioneer plant growing in an array of soils (nutrient poor with variable pH). It is also quite fire-resistant, shooting back well, so is useful in areas where natural fires occur.
Valle Habitat Action Plan: To be added.
General Notes:
links: Wikipedia.

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Eucalyptus globulus - Eucalyptus - Eucalittu
Occurence: Two specimens, adjacent to Hotel Mirage and at the gate area.
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Ficus carica - Fig Tree - Ficu.
Occurence: Sporadic, usually close to water source (Fountain area, Valle 3b, Teschio).
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Juniperus macrocarpa ssp. Oxycedrus - Cuddly Juniper - Ginepro Rosso - Aiacciu.
Occurence: Common Tree throughout Valle Della Luna.
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Juniperus phoenicea - Turbine Juniper - Ginepro - Ghiniparu Femina.
Occurence: Common Tree throughout Valle Della Luna in various habitats.
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Olea europaea (ssp. Oleaster) - Wild Olive - Olivastro - Ollastru
Occurrence: Occasional, mainly as an shrub in macchia throughout.
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Quercus ilex ssp. Ilex - Holly Oak - Elce - Elijah.
Occurrence: Common, as main component of Teschio woodland, rare singular specimens.