ID Solved: ombu Please identify this beautiful tree

[FishingGenet]

I keep seeing these all over Barcelona. They grow very large, are evergreen and thickly leaved. The trunks are also thick, and knotty at the base.  The trees look a bit like a cross between a sweet chestnut and the giant rubber-plant trees (which also grow here). Thanks.

[Mònica]

Hi FishingGenet,

I think you are talking about an ombu, bellasombra (Phytolacca dioica) . It's a beautiful tree native from South America and there are some good sized ones around Barcelona.
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omb%C3%BA

[FishingGenet]

Hello Monica - I think this is definitely it! Thank you so much for your reply, much appreciated. I like the name Bella Sombra, too - very apt.