In my recent holiday in Croatia, I found out about the Strawberry Tree.
Now that I'm home, I did some research on it.
I doesn't look like it's easy to mistake for another plant;
Let's be clear: Even though it's called Strawberry Tree, it's not really a Strawberry !
That's why I prefer latin names to common names.
The fruit looks much like a wild Strawberry, but it grows in a more comfortable height for picking.
I don't know much about it - so here is the Wikipedia entry:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbutus_unedo
I never noticed it, but it seems to grow all around the Mediterranean Sea.
I took some pictures of it and tried - The fruit is delicious.
Make sure to eat the really dark, red ones to feel a little alcoholic tingle.
The wide spread distribution of this plant clearly suggests, that it 'followed' humans for a long time.
It doesn't have any hard seeds in the fruit, so I assume people have carried and replanted it all over Europe.
Who wouldn't try to cultivate a plant, that naturally ferments fruit on the tree ?
It's easy to spot - read up on it, and if you live in mediterranean climate: Have a look for it -It may grow wild, or in your neighbours garden.
( Not an Arbutus unedo, but a butterfly - took the picture during the trip and felt like sharing )
It certainly inspired me to go foraging more within Europe.
In my case, the fruit grew in viewing distance from the sea shore.
It seemed like the ideal holiday snack - Free, sustainable, local ... also a little buzz included, if you prefer the over-ripe fruits.
... have a try !