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
Carob: A Mediterranean Resource for the Future Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Abstract For centuries, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has contributed to the economy of the Mediterranean basin, mainly as food for livestock. Nowadays, the value of the carob tree extends far beyond its traditional uses, encompassing a wide range of industries and applications that take advantage of its unique properties and nutritional benefits. Despite its high industrial demand and European indications, there has been a 65% reduction in the area cultivated throughout the Mediterranean area in the 21st century. Given the threats posed by climate change, including reduced water availability and nutrient-depleted soils, there is a growing need to focus on this crop, which is well placed to cope with unpredictable weather. In this review, we use a bibliographic search approach to emphasise the prioritisation of research needs for effective carob tree exploitation. We found enormous gaps in the scientific knowledge of this under-utilised crop species with fruit pulp and seeds of high industrial value. Insufficient understanding of the biology of the species, as well as inadequate agronomic practices, compromise the quantity and the quality of fruits available to the industry. In addition to industrial applications, carob can also be used in reforestation or restoration programmes, providing a valuable crop while promoting biodiversity conservation and soil restoration. The carbon sequestration potential of the trees should be taken into account as a promising alternative in fighting climate change. This bibliographic search has highlighted clusters with different knowledge gaps that require further research and investment. The carob tree has untapped potential for innovation, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
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