The Arbutus tree (Arbutus unedo) is a pyrophilic shrub of the Ericaceae family, mainly found on siliceous soils all around the western Mediterranean, notably in the Maures and Estérel massifs. Its tooth-edged evergreen oval leaves are rich in tannins, while its fruits - called arbutus berries - in the shape of fleshy berries with a rough skin covered with small conical tips contain vitamin C. Edible although rather tasteless, the berries ripen in winter.