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Description
The Marina plant, also known as the Marina strawberry tree, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is a hybrid of two other shrubs: the Arbutus unedo and Arbutus andrachne. The Marina plant originated in Australia but has since spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and the United States. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful appearance and hardiness.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arbutus |
Appearance
The Marina plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by red or orange berries that are about 1 inch in diameter. The berries are edible but have a bland taste. The Marina plant has a beautiful, natural shape and can be used as a specimen plant or as a hedge.
Care Guide
The Marina plant is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It can also tolerate drought and salt spray. The plant should be watered regularly during the first year of growth, but after that, it can tolerate periods of drought. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and fall, but it is not necessary. The plant does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead or damaged branches. The Marina plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Marina plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus. Leaf spot can be prevented by keeping the plant well-ventilated and avoiding overhead watering. If leaf spot occurs, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if it is planted in poorly-draining soil. Root rot can be prevented by planting the plant in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
The Marina plant is native to Australia but has since been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and the United States. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, woodlands, and heathlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought and salt spray.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the berries of the Marina plant be eaten?
A: Yes, the berries are edible but have a bland taste.
Q: Does the Marina plant require fertilizer?
A: No, fertilizer is not necessary, but it can be applied in the spring and fall.
Q: Can the Marina plant tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, the Marina plant can tolerate salt spray.
Q: Does the Marina plant require pruning?
A: No, the plant does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead or damaged branches.
Related Plants
- Arbutus unedo
- Arbutus andrachne
- Arbutus x andrachnoides
- Arbutus x thuretiana
References
- “Arbutus x marina.” Floridata. Accessed November 5, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/214.
- “Arbutus x marina.” Plant Finder. Accessed November 5, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b357.
- “Marina Strawberry Tree.” Monrovia. Accessed November 5, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3970/marina-strawberry-tree/.
