Ombu tree
Phytolacca dioica

Family: Phytolaccaceae

What it is like

A large tree. It is evergreen. It grows to 15-20 m high. The crown is dense and spreading. The trunk can be 2 m across. It is swollen at the base. The roots come to the surface and put out suckers. The leaves are green and narrowly oval and taper to the tip. They are simple and 10 cm long. The leaf stalks are narrow. Male and female flowers are separate on separate plants. The flowers are along branched stalks and often hang downwards. These are 10 cm long. The male flowers have 20-30 stamens. The fruit are fleshy berries. They are yellow and have 7-10 cells. The fruit are 1.2 cm across.

There are 25 Phytolacca species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can tolerate salty air near sea-sides. It needs mild climates and is damaged by severe frosts. It is drought tolerant. It can grow in an average, well-drained soil. It needs full sun. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 10-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil (country/location of origin), Colombia, East Africa, Ecuador, Eswatini, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Mediterranean, North America, Pacific, Paraguay, Peru, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Swaziland, Uruguay, USA, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

CAUTION: The fruit are poisonous. The attractive smell encourages children to eat them with poisonous results. The young leaves and shoots are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The fruit are made into jellies and jams. They are also used to give red colour to wines.

Edible parts

Fruit - caution, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested from the tree and allowed to decompose for a few days before removing the seed. The seeds are washed out in running water and dried lightly. Seed can be stored for about 1 year. Fresh seed should be planted. They germinate in 8-16 days. Seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 4 months. Trees can be grown from cuttings.

The tree grows rapidly. They can be 4-5 m tall in 2 years.

Its other names

Local names

Alho-cebola, Barbasquilloa, Belhambra, Bella sombra, Caruru-guassu, Cebolao, Fitolacca arborea, Hatun sara, Imbu, Maria-mol, Peudo, Pohon gajah, Pohon ombu, Santo tome, Umbuzeiro

Synonyms

Phytolacca arborea Moq. [Invalid]; Phytolacca populifolia Salisb. [Illegitimate]; and others