Belhambra
Phytolacca dioica
NEMBA: Category 3
English: Belhambra, Monkey Grape, Ombu, Poke Berry, Umbra Tree, Elephant Tree
Afrikaans: Belambraboom, Dikboom, Bobbejaandruifboom
Spanish: Ombú, Bella Sombra
Synonyms, misapplied or old scientific names: Pircunia dioica
The Belhambra tree (Phytolacca dioica), is a South American native that's made itself at home in South Africa. Known for its rapid growth and expansive canopy, this evergreen giant can reach heights of up to 20 metres. Its soft, spongy trunk and lush foliage provide ample shade, making it a standout in any landscape. However, in South Africa, it's considered an invasive species, out-competing native plants and disrupting local ecosystems, especially near fresh water sources.
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Origins: Native to the Pampas of South America, including regions of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Overall appearance: A large, fast-growing evergreen tree with a domed, umbrella-like canopy that provides extensive shade.
Height: Typically reaches 12 to 18 metres, with some specimens growing taller.
Width: Canopy spreads to a diameter of 12 to 15 metres.
Leaves: Bright green, oval-shaped with smooth margins, measuring 6 to 15 centimetres in length. They have a leathery texture with prominent, light-coloured midribs and parallel, arched veins.
Thorns or spines: None.
Flowers: Small, creamy-yellow, and appear in dense clusters about 10 centimetres long. Male and female flowers are on separate trees.
Flowering season: Late summer in South Africa (February to March)
Fruits: Berry-like, initially green, turning black upon ripening. They resemble mulberries and are about 3 to 7 millimetres in length.
Seeds: Flattened, round, smooth, and shiny black, approximately 2.5 to 3 millimetres in size.
Bark: Grey to pale brown, rough, becoming gnarled with age. The trunk is soft and spongy, allowing it to be cut with a knife.
Wood: Soft and spongy due to its herbaceous ancestry, lacking true wood structure.
Roots: Thick, forceful roots that can lift structures, emerging prominently around the broad, twisted trunk base.
Soil type: Adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils.
Aspect: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Origin: Native to the Pampas of South America, including regions of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Whether any parts are edible: Not typically consumed due to toxicity.
Toxicity: Sap is poisonous, deterring herbivores and making the tree immune to pests like locusts.
Uses: Traditionally used for shade due to its expansive canopy. In some cultures, leaves are used as laxatives or purgatives.
What insects it attracts: The flowers are pollinated by the butterfly Doxocopa laurentia.
What mammals it attracts: Generally avoided by herbivores due to its toxic sap.
Ecology: In its native range, it is a symbol of gaucho culture, providing shelter from sun and rain. In South Africa, it invades savanna, fynbos, coastal bush, riverbanks, roadsides, and urban open spaces, outcompeting native vegetation.
Provinces it is a problem in: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.
Distribution: Native to South America; introduced to various regions, including South Africa, where it has become invasive.
Habitat: Thrives in open landscapes such as savannas and grasslands; adaptable to various environments.
Derivation of name and historical aspects: The name "ombú" comes from the Guarani language, meaning "vult" or "shadow," reflecting its prominent canopy. It is a cultural symbol in Uruguay and Argentina, often associated with the gaucho lifestyle.
Fun Facts
Despite its massive size, the Belhambra's trunk is soft enough to be cut with a knife.
Its toxic sap makes it unpalatable to livestock and resistant to pests like locusts.
In its native South America, it's a cultural icon, symbolizing the vastness of the Pampas and providing shelter to travelers.
The tree's expansive canopy and rapid growth make it a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts, who appreciate its unique characteristics.
Friendly alternatives:
Broad-leaved Yellowwood
Podocarpus latifolius
Broom Cluster Fig
Ficus sur
Common Wild Fig
Ficus burkei
Plant type:
Evergreen, tree or herbaceous
Plant family:
Phytolaccaceae (plant lac) - Order: Caryophyllales