Ombu tree
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.
Also known as:
Alho-cebola, Belhambra, Bella sombra, Caruru-guassu, Cebolao, Fitolacca arborea, Imbu, Maria-mol, Peudo, Pohon gajah, Pohon ombu
Synonyms
- Phytolacca arborea Moq. [Invalid]
- Phytolacca populifolia Salisb. [Illegitimate]
- and others
Edible Portion
- Fruit - Caution, Leaves
Where does Ombu tree grow?
Found in: Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, East Africa, Ecuador, Eswatini, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Mediterranean, North America, Pacific, Paraguay, Peru, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Uruguay, United States, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are 25 Phytolacca species.
Growing Ombu tree
Cultivation: 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.
Edible Uses: 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.
Production: The tree grows rapidly. They can be 4-5 m tall in 2 years.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
Ombu tree Photos
References
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www.colecionandofrutas.org