Carob

Originating from the Mediterranean region, the Carob (also known as locust bean) tree may be found providing shade in any warm subtropical area, as well as hot and humid coastal areas. Carob is a species of flowering evergreen trees within the pea family.  

Carob wood has varying and different colors, ranging from dark reds to pink and creamy colors. The Carob tree is the only tree in the Holy Land that can outlive the olive tree. Because the seed pods from its tree are always the same weight, the seeds of the Carob tree is the ancient and original weight used by goldsmiths for a carat. Carob trees are known descriptively as ‘the black gold of Cyprus’, as they were the island's most important crop and major agricultural export up until the 1940’s.   

In folklore, Carob trees provide valuable shade for animals, but according to a local saying, humans are warned that sleeping under a carob tree will result in bad dreams.  

Learn more about Carob at The Wood Database by clicking here.