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ombU[OmbOO´] Pronunciation Key, large evergreen tree (Phytolacca dioica) of the pampas of Argentina and Uruguay. It has an umbrellalike spread of foliage; the trunk may attain a girth of 40 to 50 ft (12.2–15.2 m). The tree grows rapidly. Its wood is spongy and soft enough to be cut with a knife. The ombU is the only tree native to the pampas, where it presents a solitary and distinctive aspect and provides welcome shade. Because the sap is poisonous, the ombU is not browsed by cattle and is immune to locusts and other pests. The dark, glossy leaves are sometimes used locally for a brew. The ombU is of the same genus as the North American pokeweed. It is planted as a shade tree in S California. OmbU is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Caryophyllales, family Phytolaccaceae.
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