STRAWBERRY TREE

Strawberry tree in perfume can describe a woody interpretation of the evergreen tree, rather than the sweet smell of strawberries. Tiziana Terenzi presents the Maremma strawberry tree in Ilba as part of a woody foundation alongside birch, elm and juniper. This gives a useful point of reference: look for the texture of a wooded setting instead of assuming a sugary red-fruit accord.

The name commonly refers to Arbutus unedo, an evergreen member of the heather family with small pale flowers and red fruits resembling strawberries in appearance. It is a different plant from the strawberry grown for its fruit. Botanical resemblance does not establish the smell of a perfume, and a note listing does not prove the use of tree extract, wood oil or a particular recipe. The precise woody, green or fruity balance remains the perfumer’s interpretation.