carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Carob tree is a Mediterranean evergreen whose long, sweet pods can be roasted and ground into a cocoa substitute. In the United States, it is cultivated in warm western regions and grows outside cultivation in some places.

Appearance

Appearance: Each leaf is made of several small, glossy, leathery parts. Small flowers without showy petals cluster on the branches.
Growth form: An evergreen shade tree reaching about 30–50 ft (9–15 m).
Fruit: Pods turn from green to dark brown as they mature. The pulp can be ground for food, and the seeds yield locust bean gum.

Look-alikes

honey locustGleditsia triacanthos

Carob keeps its leathery leaves year-round. Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) loses its leaves in fall, so a leafless winter tree is not carob.

Why they get mixed upBoth are pod-bearing trees planted in California.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: warm, dry gardens
rocky, well-drained ground
Range: Cultivated in warm western North America; California also has naturalized plants. It can spread by seed in disturbed places.
Preferred conditions: It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and grows in USDA zones 9–10.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Carob powder is used to flavor baked goods and drinks.
Locust bean gum from the seeds appears in many processed foods.

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