Arbutus unedo
In Madrid’s plaza of Puerta del Sol
The most photographed of the city’s monuments
Is a sculpture of a bear leaning into a Strawberry Tree
El Oso y el Madrono in Spanish
Or The Bear and Strawberry Tree.
An emblem on the coat of arms of Madrid
Since the early Renaissance
Symbolizing the cooperation of church and state
In the management of pastures and trees.
Bears are apparently fond of the fruit called Koumara
As are goats and deer and young children
Which tastes like a woody strawberry when ripe
But bitter and nauseating before.
Madronos in Spanish or Corbezzolo in Italian
Bearberry in English or perhaps Apple of Cain or Cain Apple
Arbutus (arb-YEW-tus) means struggle.
Unedo (YOU-nee-doe) means “I eat only one” from the Latin unum edo.
A bear and a madroño (strawberry tree) are the symbol of Madrid.