Ceratonia siliqua

Ceratonia siliqua, the carob tree, is an evergreen of the Fabaceae family native to the Mediterranean, long cultivated for its edible pods and its valuable timber.

Characteristics
A medium sized tree reaching 5-10 m, occasionally 15 m, with a dense, rounded crown, spreading branches and glossy foliage. The leaves are dark green, leathery and glossy, pinnate with rounded leaflets. Small red-brown flowers are borne in dense clusters in late summer and autumn, rich in nectar and attractive to bees, followed by the long, flattened brown pods that ripen the next summer.

Growing and care
Full sun and well drained soil, even poor, stony or calcareous; extremely drought and salt tolerant once established, but sensitive to hard frost, so it needs a mild position. Prune only to shape young trees.

Uses
Mediterranean and seaside gardens, dry slopes, evergreen shade in hot climates, and productive planting for its pods.