• Common name: Carob tree
• Scientific name: Ceratonia siliqua, L.
• Honorary Doctorate: Antonio Fraguas de Pablo (3/10/2014)

ORIGIN: Mediterranean Region.

CHARACTERISTICS:

• Its leaves are evergreen.
• Excellent shade tree.

INTERESTING FACTS:

• The seeds, remarkably uniform in size and weight, were the original standard for the carat, the unit of weight used in fine jewelry.
• During the Spanish Civil War and the post-war period, its pods, with their sweet pulp, were consumed by a large part of the population due to their high nutritional value and as one of the few food alternatives.

USES:

• ORNAMENTAL: A tree of great beauty and hardiness.
• FOOD: The fruit is used in the manufacture of chocolate (carob) and coffee substitutes, the production of liqueurs, thickeners, and livestock feed.
• MEDICINAL: It is used for digestive ailments, respiratory problems, sore throats, and to relieve conjunctivitis.