Pithecellobium ebano
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Description: Spiny evergreen tree to 6 m or higher. Dense foliage with zigzag branching. Leaves bipinnate with leaflets 5-13 mm long, oposite. Flower spikes 2-5 cm long, cylindrical white to creamy. Fruit are dark brown to black, straight or slightly curved, thick, flat, woody hard beans which are reddish-brown.
Plant Trivia: Preferred growing site for Bailey’s Ball Moss, Tillandsia baileyi.
Field Identification:
Occurrence: Occurs in brushy pastures on sandy loam or clay, mostly in western half of the area. Also found on slopes south of Woodsboro.
Bloom Period: May-October
Plant Use: Importing nesting, loafing and roosting tree for birds. Leaves are brose for many mammals and seeds serve as food for many other animals. Nectar source for bees. Wood is extremely valuable and is used for posts, fuel, cabinets, small furniture, and for art objects such as wood carvings. Ornamental and landscaping for shade. Seeds made into jewelry. In Mexico, the seeds are eaten when green and are also roasted when ripe and used as a coffee substitute. Host plant for Orange Sulphur butterfly.
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