The Carob treewhose scientific name is Ceratonia silica, it is an amazing tree. Resistant to drought already numerous pests, and very grateful. Originally from the Mediterranean, it is a tree that will not cause any problems in the garden.
Let’s get to know it.
The carob is a small tree that is much wider than it is tall. In fact, it does not usually exceed five meters in height, with a wide range of leaves of up to six meters, if it is allowed to grow freely.
Its leaves are evergreen, that is, they do not fall in autumn, with a length of up to four centimeters, green in color. The trunk is rather thin, although its base can thicken quite a bit over the years, up to half a meter wide. It has a tendency to lean a bit.
The flowers appear in spring, and the fruit, known as carob, ripens in the fall.
In the garden, the carob tree will look excellent as an isolated specimen, forming tall hedges, or delimiting an entrance, as in this photo:
What does a carob tree need to be able to look splendid in the garden?
In principle it will depend on the use we want to give it. If it is as an isolated specimen, you will need enough space to be able to develop properly. On the other hand, if we want it to form a high hedge, as we will have to prune it, we can place them about three meters apart from others.
It adapts to all types of soils, but it develops better in clay, calcareous ones.
He is afraid of waterlogging, though, it must be said: it would not be the first time that carob trees have had to tolerate having “wet feet” for a couple of days after a deluge.
It is very rustic. Withstands frosts of up to five degrees below zero without suffering any damage.
Unlike other trees, it is not a “dirty” tree. The carob beans that fall to the ground can be collected without problems with a broom, or with your hands.
Do you dare to have one in your garden?
More information – Information on drought resistant plants
