Ombú
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 Ombú in Fullerton Arboretum
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| Phytolacca dioica L. |
The ombú is a massive evergreen herb native to the Pampas of South America. It is the only tree that grows there, the only one able to survive on the little water availible. The tree has an umbrella-like canopy that spreads to a girth of 12 to 15 meters (40 to 50 feet) and can attain a height of 12 to 18 meters (40 to 60 feet). The ombú grows fast but being herbaceous its wood is soft and spongy enough to be cut with a knife. Since the sap is poisonous, the ombú is not grazed by cattle and is immune to locusts and other pests. For similar reasons, the leaves are sometimes are used as a laxative or purgant. It is a symbol of Uruguay, Argentina, and of Gaucho culture, as its canopy is quite distinguishable from afar and provides comfort and shelter from sun and rain.
The tree is categorized in the same genus as the North American pokeweed. The species is also cultivated in Southern California as a shade tree.
