A beautiful evergreen tree with glossy dark green leathery leaves. Hardy at least to 20 degrees F. Easy to care for, this makes a great indoor or patio tub plant where not hardy. We have one planted in the floor of our cool greenhouse - it has been flowering since it was 4 or 5 years old. Native to the E. Mediterranean region the seed pods are used as a chocolate substitute and are also fed to livestock. St. John's staple in the desert. Flour made from the pods is used baked goods, candies and confections. A syrup made from the pods is used to treat coughs and sore throats. This was one of the most important sources of sugar before sugarcane and sugar beets became readily available. The seed gum (Tragasol) is used in the food industry as a thickener and stabilizer in baked goods, salad dressings, canned meats and fish, mustard and ice cream. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, paints, cosmetics, detergents, adhesives and insecticides. The wood is prized for cabinetry and lathe work and yields a light brown dye.