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The Ombu can be found in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It does not need much water considering there is only 10-30in of rainfall a year in its natural habitat. Droughts can occur in the grasslands, so the plants that grow there often develop unique characteristics. The Ombu is a large evergreen with an umbrella like canopy. It can have a girth of 40 to 50ft and its height can reach 40 to 60ft. It grows rapidly. Its wood is soft and spongy, soft enough to be cut with a regular knife. The Ombu often has multiple trunks and is the only tree-like species for miles. Its sap is poisonous, therefore the bush is not browsed by cattle. It is also immune to locusts and other pests. The bush is covered with dark, glossy, green leaves. It has greenish-white flowers that grow in long clusters. These clusters droop from the weight of the crimson, ripe berries that develop from these flowers. The Ombu's massive, fire resistant trunks contain water storage tissue, an excellent adaptation for intense grassland fires which are common in this region. The "trees" have enlarged bases in which they store water. An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils, though preferring a moisture retentive fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10C.The small flowers are green, as well as the berries. It can both be reproduced by seeds and cuttings.