A centre in the linearization need not be a nonlinear centre (source code)

= A centre in the linearization need not be a nonlinear centre
{title2=$\sigma(Df(0))=\{i\omega,-i\omega\}\ \not\Rightarrow\ \text{nonlinear centre}$}

Purely imaginary nonzero <eigenvalues> make a real planar <linearization> a <centre equilibrium>. They do not control the nonlinear radial drift. For example,
$$
\dot x=-y-x(x^2+y^2),\qquad\dot y=x-y(x^2+y^2)
$$
has the same <linearization> as a uniform rotation. In <polar coordinates>, however, $\dot r=-r^3$ and $\dot\theta=1$. Every sufficiently small nonzero orbit spirals towards the origin, so the origin is an asymptotically stable <weak focus>, and no nonzero orbit is periodic. Reversing the signs of the cubic terms gives a repelling weak focus. Removing them gives a centre. Thus a nonlinear <centre equilibrium> requires a further argument, such as a suitable <first integral>; the imaginary pair alone is insufficient.