I SPENT some of my misspent formative years at Puckpool Park, but even from the viewpoint perch of the  subsequently demolished green water tower at its centre, I never spied a hidden gem.

Linda McArdle wrote pointing me to a tree in the park that intrigued her and me too because I had never really noticed it in much more than half a century of visiting the Ryde park.

Tucked away in a dip near the moat of the old military encampment is a fine example of Arbutus unedo, the so-called strawberry tree, which I have featured before.

I make no apology for returning to what is chainsaw artist Paul Sivell's top tree – to the degree that he has even named his website in its honour.

It is one of those rarities that is beautiful at all times of the year but especially fine now because the tree bears its small, bell-shaped, sweet smelling flowers at the same time as its ripening spherical fruit which blush bright scarlet when they ripen, strawberry like.

Mostly, the strawberry tree is grown as a garden shrub but over many years, as with the Puckpool specimen, it will mature into a very interesting tree.

Linda told me: “I wondered if you could identify the tree for me that was attracting masses of bees.

“The trunk is dark brown and can rival the Dragon Tree at Brighstone with its very intriguing shape.”

The almost recumbent Puckpool specimen has, in its relatively sheltered spot, snaked its branches out but its lovely form is only visible if you get beneath the canopy to admire it and the copper and brown peeling bark.

Arbutus will grow on most moist well-drained soils. It is also resistant to urban pollution and coastal sites though not cold northern or easterly winds.

Truly a tree for all seasons.

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