CAROB TREE

Ceratonia siliqua

FAMILY Fabaceae

SYNONYMS

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

ST. JOHN'S BREAD

LOCUST BEAN

CAROB

See: all Ceratoniaor Champion

GENERAL INFO

The drought-tolerant tree has pairs of nearly round leaflets and shiny, lavender-brown,flattened legumes, found only on female trees. The fruits, which have a pulpy texture on the inside (similar to tamarind), are high in sugar and protein. The seeds, which are exceptionally uniform in size and weight (about 5 seeds per gram), were the original jeweler's carat weight standard. The fruit is processed into flour that is used as a chocolate substitute in candy and baked goods, as well as a stabilizer and texturing agent in many cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods.
Native range: Middle EastHorticultural use: Screen or HedgedEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: Carob has been a nutritional food source for humans for millennia, with earliest evidence of use dating to 8000 B.C. The seed pods are edible raw or cooked, and are eaten in traditional dishes across Mediterranean basin. Processed carob pods are commercially sold as a sugar product, substitute for chocolate, and liquor. Medicinal uses of the leaves, bark, and fruit include treatments for indigestion, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic. The seedpods are used in the industrial production of locust bean gum, used extensively in processed foods. (Ramón-Laca & Mabberley, 2004; Silaev, 2017) Citations Page
Schoolyard Use: This tree has thick, leathery leaves that provide shade and can be used to teach about leaf structure and water conservation in plants. Its small, fragrant flowers attract pollinators, making it a good subject for lessons on plant-pollinator interactions. The long, brown pods that follow are edible and can be incorporated into discussions about food sources and nutrition. The tree's resilience to drought conditions can also be used to explore topics related to climate adaptation and sustainable landscaping.

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 40 feetCanopy Width: 30-40 feetGrowth Rate: ~24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, Pinnately CompoundLeaf Shape: OvalLeaf color: Dark GreenFlowers: FragrantFlower Color: RedFlower Time: SpringFruit: Very Large Brown LegumeFruiting time: Fall or SummerFruit Value: EdibleBark Color: Dark Brown, ScalyLitter Type: Dry Fruit

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 9, 13 - 16, 18 - 24, H1Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9, 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate

CONSIDERATIONS

Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: HighPotential health issues: No known hazardsBiogenic Emissions: ModerateWildlife interactions: Attracts birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Armillaria, Root RotUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 3, Approx. cross sectional area 3.80 sq. in.

External Resources

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Ceratonia siliqua Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jul 12, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/306 >

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