Ceratonia siliqua
Because its native region is the Arabian Peninsula, the Carob Tree is, not surprisingly, incredibly drought- and heat-tolerant. What is surprising is its lush evergreen foliage and tropical look.
In the late 1860s, this interesting tree was introduced into the Santa Barbara area by pioneering horticulturists, and, due to its resilience and adaptability to our climate, soon became commonly planted locally – as a lovely ornamental for gardens and parks, and as street trees. It was also planted, for utilitarian purposes, in newly established commercial orchards, because it was prized for its remarkable seed pods that were processed for livestock feed.
Now is the time to move Carob Tree into the list of trees that are an excellent choice for planting here, in preparation for what is anticipated to be our drier and hotter future…