Plant Profile

Ceratonia siliqua (Carob tree, Locust tree)

Ceratonia siliqua is a native small to large tree with shiny, almost round, leathery pairs of leaflets. The flowers, which are without petals, occur on the trunk and thick branches of the tree. The thick, flat pods, which are around 10 cm long are edible and the “ debbis kharub” دبس خروب, achocolate-like substance is made out of it.

Landscape Information
Botanical Description
Horticulture Management

By rickjpelleg (Own work (Self photograph)) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Photographed by Adrian Pingstone [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
By Ximenx (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.1 es (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.1/es/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Luis nunes alberto (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
Khaled Sleem

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French Name: Le caroubier

Arabic Name: خرّوب

Pronunciation: ser-ah-TOH-nee-uh SIL-ly-kwah
Plant type: Tree
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean Region
Heat Zones: 1 to 15

Hardiness Zones: 9 to 10
Uses: Hedge, Shade, Windbreak, Edible, Wildlife, Native to Lebanon
Size/Shape

Growth Rate: Moderate

Tree Shape: Round

Canopy Symmetry: Symmetrical

Canopy Density: Medium

Canopy Texture: Coarse

Height at Maturity: 8 to 15 m

Spread at Maturity: 5 to 8 meters

Time to Ultimate Height: 10 to 20 Years
Notes
Aggressive roots may destroy pavements. Litter issue: Dry fruit

By rickjpelleg (Own work (Self photograph)) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Photographed by Adrian Pingstone [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
By Ximenx (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.1 es (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.1/es/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Luis nunes alberto (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
Khaled Sleem

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Foliage

Leaf Arrangement : Alternate

Leaf Venation: Pinnate

Leaf Persistance: Evergreen

Leaf Type: Even Pinnately compound

Leaf Blade: 10 - 20

Leaf Shape: Ovate

Leaf Margins: Entire

Leaf Texture: Glossy

Leaf Scent: No Fragance

Color(growing season): Green

Color(changing season): Green
Flower

Flower Showiness: No

Flower Size Range: 0 - 1.5

Flower Type: Catkin

Flower Sexuality: Diecious (Monosexual)

Flower Scent: No Fragance

Flower Color: Red

Seasons: Spring
Trunk

Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Generally resists breakage

Number of Trunks: Single Trunk

Trunk esthetic Values: Not Showy
Fruit

Fruit Type: Legume

Fruit Showiness: Yes

Fruit Size Range: 10 - 20

Fruit Color: Brown

Seasons: Spring

By rickjpelleg (Own work (Self photograph)) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Photographed by Adrian Pingstone [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
By Ximenx (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.1 es (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.1/es/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons
By Luis nunes alberto (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
Khaled Sleem

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Tolerance

Frost Tolerant: Yes

Heat Tolerance: Yes

Drought Tolerance: Yes

Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Requirements

Soil Requirements: Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil Ph Requirements: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

Water Requirements: Low

Light Requirements: Full, Part
Management

Toxicity: No

Invasive Potential: No

Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: No

Pruning Requirements: Needed, to develop a strong structure

Fruit/ Leaves/ Flowers litter: Yes

Surface Rooting: Yes

Life Span: More than 50

Edible Parts: Fruit

Plant Propagation: Seed, Cutting, Layering, Grafting