CERATONIA SILIQUA (Carob tree)

Botanical Name: Ceratonia siliqua
Common Name: Carob Tree, Algarrobo
Mature Height: 30–50 feet (9–15 meters)
Mature Spread: 25–40 feet (8–12 meters)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil; thrives in poor, rocky, or calcareous soils
Water Needs: Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Evergreen, dark green, glossy, pinnate leaves that provide dense shade
Trunk: Sturdy, thick trunk with deeply furrowed bark and a wide canopy
Flowers: Small, reddish, and inconspicuous; male and female flowers may appear on separate trees
Fruit: Long, dark brown pods rich in natural sugars, edible and used in food production

Uses:

• Shade Tree: Perfect for providing deep shade in dry, sunny climates

• Agricultural: Grown for its edible pods, used as a chocolate substitute and animal feed

• Erosion Control: Excellent for stabilizing slopes and poor soils

• Ornamental: Adds a Mediterranean character to large gardens and landscapes

Benefits:

• Extreme Drought Tolerance: One of the most resilient trees in arid conditions

• Low Maintenance: Requires little irrigation or pruning

• Useful Crop: Produces carob pods with commercial and culinary value

• Longevity: Long-lived and well-adapted to coastal and inland heat

Ceratonia siliqua is a noble Mediterranean tree prized for its endurance, utility, and natural beauty. Whether used in reforestation, landscaping, or food production, it offers both ecological and economic value while thriving in the harshest environments.