Phytolacca dioica, commonly known as the Umbra tree, is a large tree species that can grow up to 15 meters tall and live for over 400 years. It is native to regions of South America including Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and Uruguay. The tree has a thick cylindrical trunk that expands at the base. It produces clusters of small green leaves and yellow berry fruits containing several black seeds. The umbra tree can be grown from seed and has a rapid growth rate, making it suitable for gardens if given sufficient space due to its aggressive root system.

1. Phitolacca dioica by: Maria Rodríguez Bodelón

2. Ombu: Phytolacca dioica Famlia: Fitolacáceas Portugués name: Umbú Guaraní name: Ïmboú English name: Umbra Tree Spanish name : Bella sombra Names

3. My Tree Hi! My name is Phytolacca dioica. I live in Argentina (Pampas), Peru, Brazil, Uruguay. I get to 400 years old. I come from the Phytolaccaceae family I can get 10 to 15 m. high.

4. Trunk Cylindrical trunk very expanded in the base, managing to form with the step of the years a pedestal of which can go out other trunks.

5. Rough bark, fisurated, chestnut-colored or yellowish. Bark

6. Leaves Alternate, simple leaves, of elliptical to ovadas or oblong, of 5-13 x 2,5-7,5 cm, with the base cuneada or rounded, the entire margin and the sharp apex or acuminado; they are of green glossy color, glabras, with the central marked nerve. Petiole of 2-8 cm of length. Terminal clusters, of 7,5-15 cm of length.

7. Fruit Its fruit is a berry yellow, containing seeds ovoid about 3 mm long and brilliant color black.

8. The flowers are dioecious, and appear in terminal clusters of whitish color. Unisexual flowers, in separated feet, on pedicelos of 4-5 mm of length. Masculine flowers with 5 tépalos, of approximately 3,5 mm of length, whitish; androceo with 20-30 yarns, free, rudimentary ovary. Feminine flowers with 5 tépalos, of approximately 4 mm of length, estaminodios about 10; ovary súpero, globular, with 7-10 semiwelded carpels; re-curled, very short style, of 1 mm of length. Infructescencias of 15-20 x 2,5-3 cm, with numerous depressed - globular berries, with ruts between the seeds, of 0,8-1 cm of diameter, yellowish, becoming blackish in the maturity; ovoid - compressed seeds, of approximately 3 mm of length, of black brilliant colour. Flowers

9. Uses It multiplies by seeds. The fruits are gathered from the tree and set to soften in water to detach the seeds. Once extracted and dry, they can be sowed or stored, preserving his viability at least for one year. Slightly demanding and rustic enough species in general. It possesses a very rapid growth. It must not stand firm near buildings for the aggressiveness of his roots. Its uses must limit to gardens, with sufficient space for its growth.

10. Photos in different seasons of the year

11. Sites where I have extracted the information Wikipedia, Google and Books Photos: Plaza Pueblo Nuevo and Google images.

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