CERATONIA siliqua

Commonly known as Carob, Locust Tree, St John's Bread

- shining leathery leaves with long racemes of flowers and large seed pods which can be up to a foot long. Hardy outside only in the far South West
Further Reading....
  • Evergreen
    Forms a broad, low canopy.
  • Height
    8m (26ft)
  • Spread
    8m (26ft)
  • Tree
    Thick, gnarled trunk. Pods take a year to ripen.
  • Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter
    Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)
  • Full sun

CERATONIA siliqua

 
  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Known from biblical times. The 'locusts and honey' that sustained John the Baptist were probably carob pods, not grasshoppers. Carat derives from this tree. In ancient times gold and gemstones were weighed against the seeds. Unlike chocolate, this substitute is safe for dogs.
    Medicinal properties
    The pulpy pods (not seeds) are ground to produce the cocoa substitute.
    Pests & Diseases
    None.
    Place of origin
    Mediterranean, eastern Africa.
  • Hardiness
    Frost hardy (down to -5)
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile well drained soil
    But with deep soil moisture.
  • Tree Shape
    Rounded to broadly spreading
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8m (26ft)
tree - guide for size not form Average Person
  8m (26ft)
 

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