The Plant List

Pithecellobium flexicaule

Common: Texas ebony
Family: Leguminosae
Origin: Native to Texas and Mexico
Temperature: Tropical, but will withstand light frost.
Zones: 9B through 11.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Neutral to mildly alkaline
Water: Will tolerate mild drought. Young trees should not be permitted to remain dry.

15 to 30 foot tall evergreen tree with 15-20 foot canopy. Ideal for use in dry desert landscapes.

Short branches with small, dark green leaflets of medium texture.

Decorated from June to August with dense, plume-like spikes of light yellow to white blossoms at the end of branches. Flowers followed by woody seed capsules four to six inches long.

In Mexico, the seeds from these pods are eaten, and the black woody shells have been known to be roasted as a coffee substitute. Seeds have also been made into jewelry.Leaves fold up at night or in subdued light.