Bignonia Jacaranda copaia

Carob Tree is a flowering evergreen tree, native to the Amazon rainforest and northern South America. It belongs in the Bignoniaceae family and has abundant purple-blue flowers from late summer to early fall. The tree does have a reputation for being messy because it sheds it's flowers in the fall. If planted from seed, it may take up to 10 years to develop blossoms. Young trees have a long trunk with no branches, but large leaves grow directly from the top of the trunk similar to tree ferns. As the tree  matures to it full height of more than 100 feet and 30 inches in diameter, it grows branch-free for about half of its height. The top of the tree, however, retains the vase-shaped crown of branches and leaves. Carob Tree is a pioneer species, meaning it will colonize empty spaces in the forest and areas that have been cleared.

Carob Tree grows best in a sunny location with well-draining, slightly sandy, and acidic soil. It can grow in clay and loam, but does not tolerate heavy, poorly drained soil. In its native environment, the tree is a fast grower, gaining up to 10 feet in height each year. But this rate of growth slows in less tropical climates.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Susceptible to a Jacaranda-specific bacteria. Also can be prone to scale and aphids.