Quick Information
Identification
- Plant Type: Evergreen tree
- Height: Typically 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) tall
- Leaves: Thick, leathery, dark green, pinnate with 6-10 oval leaflets
- Stem: Rough, dark brown bark
- Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, blooming in late summer or early fall
- Roots: Deep root system
- Growth Habit: Broad, spreading crown
- Crown: Dense and rounded
Distribution & Habitat
- Native Region: Mediterranean region and parts of the Middle East
- Habitat: Grows in dry, well-drained soils, commonly found in coastal areas and rocky hillsides
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 through 11
Growth & Lifespan
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate; typically grows about 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) per year
- Lifespan: Long-lived; often several centuries
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained; prefers dry, rocky, or sandy soils
- Water: Highly drought-tolerant; minimal watering needed
- Drought Tolerance: High; well-suited to dry Mediterranean climates
Resilience & Pests
- Diseases: Resistant to most diseases; occasionally affected by root rot in poorly drained soils
- Pests: Generally pest-resistant, but can attract scale insects and caterpillars
Reproduction & Propagation
- Reproductive System: Dioecious; produces separate male and female flowers on different trees
- Propagation: Through seeds or cuttings
Additional Information
- Wildlife Value: Provides food (pods) and habitat for various wildlife species, including livestock and wild animals
- Uses: Carob pods for food products (e.g., carob powder, syrup), timber, ornamental planting
- IUCN Conservation Status: Not currently listed as threatened; widely cultivated and managed
Contact me
886-E
Evergreen Tree, Mediterranean Region, Carob Production, Drought-Tolerant