The Carob Tree
is an evergreen tree or shrub in the bean family that is widely grown in warm
regions for its edible pods. It is also grown as an ornamental tree, a street
and a shade tree in gardens and landscapes. Ceratonia siliqua is native to the Mediterranean
region and the Middle east and it has been cultivated there for eons. it is a
subtropical tree and so it thrives in regions where citrus is grown, including southern
California, the southwestern United States and Florida. It has a broad, rounded
canopy with sturdy branches and a stout trunk with rough, brown bark. The
leaves are pinnately compound and have 3-7 ovate or broadly elliptic leaflets. The
leaflets are medium or dark green, leathery and glossy. They have wavy margins which
add to the ornamental appeal to the tree. Flowers are small and greenish or
reddish. They are in narrow clusters in the leaf axils, on branch spurs on the
larger branches and sometimes even on the trunk. The flowers are followed by
long, straight or curved brown pods. The pods are mildly sweet and edible. They
are used in cakes and cookies and as a chocolate substitute.
The term carat
(or karat), the weight unit to measure gold, diamonds, other gems and pearls,
is derived from the Greek word keration, alluding to an ancient practice
of people in the Middle East weighing gold and gemstones against the seeds of
the carob tree. It is also known as the
locust tree. It likes full sun and is drought tolerant. It needs only
infrequent deep watering, additional water needed to produce quality
pods. Will retain its lower branches and thus can be grown as a large
hedge. Hardy in zones 9-12.
Patrick (verified owner) –
Good service.
Kayden (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds
Ryder (verified owner) –
Great germination.
John (verified owner) –
Very healthy seeds! Well worth it.
Edward (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.