The Jungle Garden
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As the visitor approaches the jungle garden, the imposing ombu (Phytolacca
dioica), a native of Argentina, extends its greeting. The gnarled trunk,
greatly enlarged at the base, resembles elephant hide; the tree stores water
in its trunk, and provides welcome shade to travelers on the dry Argentine
pampas.
The jungle garden extends east and above the ombu. The plants grown there
recreate the atmosphere of a tropical forest. Ferns and bromeliads grow
above the paths on the limbs and trunks of trees.