About
Ceratonia siliqua, commonly known as the carob tree, is a robust evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediterranean region. It features dense, dark green pinnate leaves and has a thick brown bark. In spring, it produces small racemes, measuring between 2 to 6 centimeters, adorned with greenish-red flowers. These blooms give way to elongated, leathery pods that turn a deep brown to black, encasing a sweet, edible pulp.
About the genus
Ceratonia consists of evergreen shrubs or small trees characterized by pinnate leaves that have wavy edges. The species produces upright racemes bearing small, petal-less flowers, which are succeeded by noticeable, bean-shaped fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- Mediteranean to Iran
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from a south or southwest facing wall
- Pruning
- Prune only to keep within bounds
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed soaked in water for 24 hours or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free