Common Name(s): Texas Ebony

Synonym(s):

Family: Fabaceae

Native To: Texas and northeast Mexico

Native Habitat: Desert and scrubland

Growth Habit: Small to medium tree

Flowering: June to August; fragrant light yellow to white blossoms

Distinguishing Characteristics: This tree has a short trunk which is covered in smooth gray bark. The size is reasonable, and it makes a nice medium sized shade tree. In the fall after blooming this tree produces dark brown to black, woody seed capsules.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: This small to medium tree is ideal in desert landscapes. Its dark green foliage is a rarity in the low-water use plant palette. Slow growing, but worth the wait.

Ethnobotany: In Mexico, the seeds from these pods are eaten and the shells have been roasted and used as a coffee substitute in times past.

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