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

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Nazaré Coelho Pinheiro

    (Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
    CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    SISus—Laboratory of Sustainable Industrial Systems, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Coimbra, Rua Pedro Nunes—Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
    CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Filomena Gomes

    (Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
    CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Goreti Botelho

    (Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
    CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Ivo Rodrigues

    (Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
    CERNAS—Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3045-601 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
    Faculty of Biology, Uzhhorod National University, Voloshyna Str. 32, 88000 Uzhhorod, Ukraine
    Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
    Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management NAAS, Metrolohichna Str. 12, 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Nazaré Coelho Pinheiro & Filomena Gomes & Goreti Botelho & Ivo Rodrigues & Ruslan Mariychuk & Lyudmyla Symochko, 2025. "Exploring the Multifaceted Aspects of Strawberry Tree ( Arbutus unedo L.) Forests in Portugal," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:468-:d:1598035
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