The ombú tree is really a large evergreen herd bush. It grows in the Pampas region of South America. It is the only large tree that grows in these grassland. It can survive there because it doesn't need a lot of water and it is a fast growing tree. The ombu has an umbrella-like  canopy that can spread to about 40 to 50 feet. It can also reach a height of 40 to 60 feet. Since the tree is actually a herb, it stock or wood is soft and spongy. The stock can be easily cut with a  knife.  The stock of the ombu tree is often used in the art of bonsai. Another reason it survives is the sap is poisonous, so the cattle won't eat it. This also makes it immue to pests. The natives sometimes use the leaves of the ombu  as a laxative.  People often think of the ombu as the symbol of the Pampas region. Because of it's size, you can see the tree for many miles. Many happy Gauchos have used it for shade and protection from the rain.