Ombu, << om BOO, >> is a South American tree that ranks as one of the world’s hardiest plants. The tree’s wood contains a high percentage of water, making it so moist that it will not burn. An ombu can live with little water and survive insect attacks, violent storms, and intense heat.
The ombu grows rapidly, reaching a height over 60 feet (18 meters) and a width of more than 100 feet (30 meters). The base of the trunk develops bulky outgrowths. People who seek shade under the tree often use the larger outgrowths as seats. The ombu has oval-shaped evergreen leaves and small, berrylike fruit. Ombu flowers are _dioecious—_that is, male and female flowers grow on different trees. Both flowers are white in color. People in Argentina have written numerous stories, songs, and legends about the tree.
