Phytolacca dioica, commonly known as ombú,
is a massive evergreen herb native to the Pampa of South
America. The bush 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 January 2012
the entry to the site of the tree is closed.
Most branches has been cut off leaving only
one living stem. It is said that in June 2011 it
happened - there was a big noice and two main stems broke apart.
It is easy to see that the wood had been soft and humid. The
250 years old tree is now waiting for a specialist of trees
who will take care of what rests of the tree. It is not dead.