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(Ceratonia siliqua)
Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)
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Chixoy
CC BY-SA 3.0
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Chixoy
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Chixoy | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Chixoy | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Garroves.JPG | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ceratonia siliqua, commonly known as Carob, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to Mediterranean woodlands, scrublands, and coastal areas in the Mediterranean region, as well as West Asia and North Africa. It typically grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height with a broad and semispherical crown, supported by a thick trunk with rough brown bark and sturdy branches. The leaves are pinnate, glossy, and dark green. Carob is known for its edible pods, which are rich in sugars and used as a chocolate substitute. The tree is also valued for its ornamental qualities in gardens and landscapes.
Carob trees are frost-tolerant to roughly 20 °F (−7 °C) and are known for their drought resistance, making them suitable for xeriscaping. They are dioecious, with some hermaphroditic individuals, and male trees do not bear fruit. The small, red flowers bloom in autumn and are pollinated by wind and insects. Carob is often cultivated for its pods and as an ornamental tree. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soils. Carob trees are slow to enter production, with full bearing age at 20–25 years. They can be propagated from seeds sown in pot nurseries in early spring, with seedlings transplanted after the last frost. Carob trees can be potentially invasive outside their native range, so caution is advised when planting in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Carob trees are frost-tolerant to roughly 20 °F (−7 °C) and are known for their drought resistance, making them suitable for xeriscaping. They are dioecious, with some hermaphroditic individuals, and male trees do not bear fruit. The small, red flowers bloom in autumn and are pollinated by wind and insects. Carob is often cultivated for its pods and as an ornamental tree. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained soils. Carob trees are slow to enter production, with full bearing age at 20–25 years. They can be propagated from seeds sown in pot nurseries in early spring, with seedlings transplanted after the last frost. Carob trees can be potentially invasive outside their native range, so caution is advised when planting in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 25-40 feet
- Width: 20-50 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to Mediterranean woodlands, scrublands, and coastal areas
Other Names
Common Names: St. John’s Bread, Locust Bean, Garrofer, Garrover, Johannisbrotbraum, Algarrobo, Caroba, Caroube, Caroubier, Alfarrobeira
Scientific Names: , Ceratonia siliqua, Ceratonia coriacea, Ceratonia inermis, Ceratonia siliqua var. latissima, Ceratonia siliqua var. siccata, Ceratonia siliqua var. sterilis, Ceratonia siliqua var. vulgaris,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ceratonia siliqua L.