SafePlants

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)

The carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua, is a flowering evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, known for its edible pods.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the hard, horn-like textures of the seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceratonia siliqua
• Common Names: Carob tree, St John's-bread, locust bean
• Genus: Ceratonia
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea family), Leguminosae
• The genus name Ceratonia derives from the Greek "keras," meaning horn, referring to the hard texture of the seeds.
• Other species include *Ceratonia oreothauma* and its subspecies *Ceratonia oreothauma ssp. somalensis*.

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.
• Widely cultivated or naturally grown in the Mediterranean area, including Greece, Italy, Spain, and Cyprus.
• Also found in southern California, where it is planted around towns.

Morphological Characteristics

• Evergreen shrub or tree growing up to 15 meters (49 feet 3 inches) at a medium rate.
• Crown is broad and semi-spherical.
• Thick trunk with brown rough bark and sturdy branches.
• Leaves are typically 10-20 cm in length.

Ecological Role

• The carob tree is noted as being an arid resistant tree species.

Uses

• Cultivated for its sugar-rich pods and gum-containing seeds.
• The pods and seeds can be ground up and used as a chocolate substitute.
• Carob bean gum and locust bean gum, derived from the pods, are used in the food industry.

Related Genera

• In one study, *Ceratonia* was grouped with *Acrocarpus*, *Tetrapterocarpon*, and *Umtiza*.

Further Information

• Information can be found at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).
• Promoting the conservation and use of underutilized and neglected crops. 17. Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant.
• Flora of Turkey and the east Aegean islands. 1965-1988