trade
search plant database and seed store
Plant Informational Database

Texas Ebony

Pithecellobium flexicaule

a.k.a. Mexican Ebony, False Acacia

An desert-like ornamental whose seeds were once used as a coffee substitute. Its scraggly growth, yet uniform canopy and toleration of tough environments make this a popular choice for arid landscape gardeners.

Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

An evergeen tree to 15-30ft. Texas Ebony is particularly beautiful when in bloom---usually mid summer---and its frilly white flowers are reminiscent of a bottle brush tree. In full bloom the tree may be completely covered in its snow-white cloom. Woody fruits follow and grow to several inches long. They contain a few hard, marble-sized seeds.

Hardiness

Hardy to 20-25F.

Growing Environment

Grows very well in hot, dry climates. Water occasionally during summer and when young. Once established it needs minimal care. Grow in full sun. Very drought tolerant. Mildly cold tolerant.

Propagation

By seeds. Seeds should be soaked for 24 hours prior to planting. They germinate slowly and generally need a few months to germinate.

Uses

A popular ornamental in arid climates. The seeds are reportedly edible and can be used as a coffee substitute, among other things.

Native Range

Native to parts of Texas and Northern Mexico.

Additional Pictures

banner banner

Related Species

Fabaceae  
Acacia caven
Espinillo
Acacia farnesiana
Sweet Acacia
Acacia koa
Koa
Acacia podalyriifolia
Pearl Acacia
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
Bauhinia forficata
Brazilian Orchid Tree
Bauhinia variegata
Orchid Tree
Caesalpinia echinata
Brazilwood
Caesalpinia gilliesii
Desert Bird of Paradise
Cassia closiana
Golden Cassia
Cassia excelsa
Crown of Gold Tree
Cassia fistula
Golden Shower Tree
Cassia grandis
Coral Shower Tree
Cassia x nealiae (Cassia fistula x javanica)
Rainbow Shower Tree
Ceratonia siliqua
Carob
Delonix regia
Royal Poinciana
Erythrina crista-galli
Cockspur Coral Tree
Indigofera australis
Indigo
Inga cinnamomea
Inga Acu
Inga edulis
Ice Cream Bean
Inga feuillei
Pacay
Inga laurina
White Inga
Inga marginata
Guabilla
Inga sessilis
Monkey Inga
Inga vulpina
Pink Flowered Inga
Inocarpus fagifer
Polynesian Chestnut
Hyacinth Bean
Lablab purpurea
Azure Blue Sweet Pea
Lathyrus sativus
Leucaena leucocephala
Koa Haole
Mimosa pudica
Sensitive Plant
Parkia javanica
Sataw
Scarlet Runner Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
Pithecellobium dulce
Manila Tamarind
Pithecellobium flexicaule
Texas Ebony
Pongamia pinnata
Pongam
Samanea saman
Monkey Pod
Senna alata
Candle Bush
Senna multiglandulosa
Buttercup Bush
Senna surattensis
Singapore Shower
Strongylodon macrobotrys
Jade Vine
Tamarindus indica
Tamarind
Vicia faba
Fava Bean