Exploring the Multifaceted Aspects of Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo L.) Forests in Portugal

Maria Nazaré Coelho Pinheiro, Filomena Gomes, Goreti Botelho, Ivo Rodrigues, Ruslan Mariychuk () and Lyudmyla Symochko
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Maria Nazaré Coelho Pinheiro: Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
Filomena Gomes: Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
Goreti Botelho: Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
Ivo Rodrigues: Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
Ruslan Mariychuk: Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Presov, 17th November Str. 1, 08116 Presov, Slovakia
Lyudmyla Symochko: CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: This article explores the ecological role of strawberry tree forests ( Arbutus unedo L.) in the resilience of Portuguese forest ecosystems and their relationship with plant production as a source of food. It discusses the importance of the strawberry tree in fire combat and the improvement of agroforestry areas by mitigating erosion and augmenting soil organic matter. The multifunctionality of their fruits, emphasizing their utilization in food and beverage production, is also addressed. Moreover, the socio-economic and cultural significance of fruit production, emphasizing its role in sustainable development, is analyzed. The diversity of beverages (spirits, liquors, and gin) and food products (jams, jellies, etc.) effectively contribute to have a positive social and economic impact on the local populations and tradition maintenance. Moreover, the bioactive compounds in different parts of the plants and fruits have applications in pharmacology and cosmetics. Finally, the valorization of strawberry tree spirits mush waste as a source of natural dyes for textiles is discussed as a promising research topic to be explored in the future.

Keywords: Arbutus unedo L.; agrifood applications; local community benefits; ecological resilience; pharmaceutical applications; waste valorization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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