Care of the tree Ceratonia siliqua or Carob |
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The genus Ceratonia, family Fabaceae, includes 2 species of trees native to the Mediterranean region, Arabia and Somalia. The species are: Ceratonia siliqua and Ceratonia oreothauma. Common names: Locust bean, St. John's bread and Carob. This species is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. They are evergreen trees with a wide crown and slow growth that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. The leaves are alternate, coriaceous and intense green on the upper side and glaucous on the underside. The flowers are greenish and not very decorative; They bloom after 7 years of life. The fruits are large pods with edible seeds. They are used as isolated specimens, as a shade tree and in public parks. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. The fruits are used in dietetic foods and for feeding livestock. Ceratonia siliqua prefers full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist frost down to -7 ºC (19.4 ºF). They can grow in any type of well-drained soil, be it poor, sandy or stony. They are drought-resistant trees that need moderate watering until the substrate has completely dried. Fertilize with a little compost in the fall. They can be lightly pruned in late winter to maintain a compact crown. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from spring sown seeds but it is a slow process. |
Images of the tree Ceratonia siliqua or Carob |
 Ceratonia siliqua  Ceratonia siliqua  Ceratonia siliqua  Ceratonia siliqua  Ceratonia siliqua |