The carob tree (Arabic: خروب‎ kharrūb; Hebrew: חרוב‎ ḥaruv; Greek: χαρουπιά haroubia), Ceratonia siliqua, is a species of floweringevergreenshrub or tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated for its edible seed pods. Carobs are also known as St. John's bread because, according to tradition of some Christians, St. John the Baptist subsisted on them in the wilderness. A similar legend exists of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son.

Ceratonia, which belongs to the Leguminosae (Legume) family, is a genus that consists of one species, namely Ceratonia siliqua. It is believed to be an archaic remnant of a part of this family now generally considered extinct. It grows well in warm temperate and subtropical areas and tolerates hot and humid coastal areas. As a xerophytic (drought-resistant) species, Carob is well adapted to the art of bonsai. 8 SEEDS