Ceratonia siliqua L.: carob

Abstract

Ceratonia siliqua L. - carob, St. John's bread, or locust - is a small to medium-sized broadleaf, evergreen tree that may grow to 20 m in height under ideal climatic conditions (Catarino 1993) but usually reaches heights of 8 to 15 m (Goor and Barney 1968). Carob is thought to be a tropical plant that has adapted well to Mediterranean climates by utilizing its deep rooting habit and xerophilous leaves to avoid water stress (Catarino 1993). The deep taproot's penetration into moist regions of the soil profile effectively lengthens the active growth period for carob leaves during the Mediterranean dry season (Rhizopoulou and Davies 1991).

Parent Publication

• The Woody Plant Seed Manual

Citation

Shepperd, Wayne D. 2008. Ceratonia siliqua L.: carob. In: Bonner, Franklin T.; Karrfalt, Robert P., eds. The Woody Plant Seed Manual. Agric. Handbook No. 727. Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. p. 371-373.