HEIGHT up to 60 ft (18 m)
TYPE Evergreen
OCCURRENCE Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay
Also known as ombu or belhambra, this fast-growing, herbaceous tree has a broad trunk with high water content. The only tree to live on the Pampas grasslands in South America, it is well adapted to grassland fires and scarcity of water due to a fire-resistant trunk that can store water. Its poisonous sap keeps browsing animals away. This tree is also valued for the shade it provides. BARK Pale brown, very spongy. LEAF Dark, glossy green, ovate or elliptic. FLOWER Small, greenish white, in clusters. FRUIT In clusters on stalks like a mass of curled up caterpillars, green turning crimson when ripe, up to 3⁄8 in (1 cm) wide.
