Ombú

phytolacca dioica

Also known as: ["Ombú tree","Palo borracho"]

Family: Phytolaccaceae Genus: Phytolacca Category: Trees

Overview

A large, deciduous tree native to South America, known for its umbrella-like canopy and swollen trunk.

Benefits & Perks

["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Genus: Phytolacca
Botanical Name: Phytolacca dioica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden or spacious container in temperate to subtropical regions
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Can tolerate poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on the plant's size and health.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) is ideal, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Adjust exposure based on seasonal temperature changes.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to intense sunlight if moving from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot regions; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil), or root rot (waterlogged soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Monitor leaf scorch; rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid frequent shallow watering.

Soil

deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Prefers warm to hot temperatures (65–95°F or 18–35°C). Can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during spring and summer

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; use organic options like compost for slow release.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed propagation. Stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.
  6. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), humid, and partially shaded conditions.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Stem cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take 3–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning, heading back, and removal of crossing or crowded branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture with a finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging, and water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or leaf scorch in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf drop or dieback, especially if prolonged below 20°F (-6°C).

Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., burlap wrap, mulch) in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced growth if water and nutrients are insufficient.

Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide partial shade during peak heat; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; follow dilution rates; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Phytolacca dioica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Phytolacca dioica can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure and leading to reduced growth.

Leaf spots on Phytolacca dioica are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can reduce photosynthetic capacity and, if severe, lead to defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Phytolacca dioica due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly susceptible to the toxic effects of Phytolacca dioica. The plant's toxic compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and systemic toxicity, which may be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite weakness difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately. Provide the veterinarian with details of the plant ingested.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Phytolacca dioica can lead to significant toxicity due to the presence of phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin. These compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects, potentially leading to serious health complications.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain lethargy weakness difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Humans
Toxic

Phytolacca dioica, commonly known as oca or pokeweed, contains toxic compounds, primarily phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects upon ingestion. The roots and berries are particularly toxic due to high concentrations of these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness weakness respiratory distress
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consumption of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Ombú tree suitable for urban environments?

A: Yes, it is highly adaptable to urban conditions and can thrive in various soil types.

Q: Are the berries of the Ombú tree edible?

A: No, all parts of the plant are toxic and should not be consumed.

Q: How fast does the Ombú tree grow?

A: It is a relatively fast-growing tree, capable of reaching significant size within a few decades.

Quick Reference
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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