Ebenopsis ebano, Pithecellobium ebano

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Ebenopsis is a small genus, with only 2 species found in the United States. Texas ebony flowers are yellow or cream-colored umbels about 2" in length borne in paniculate clusters on the end of twigs. They appear from June to August. The legumes turn from green to dark brown or black as they mature in the fall. The wood of Texas ebony is used for furniture and fence posts, and the seeds can be used as a coffee substitute (they are boiled when green or roasted when ripe). Legumes are usually picked by hand from the trees and air-dried in the sun. The seed coats of Texas ebony are very hard, and few seeds will germinate without scarification.

Similar plants:

• Pithecellobium flexicaule, Acacia flexicaulis, Ebenopsis flexicaulis (Texas Ebony)
• Archidendron grandiflorum, Pithecellobium grandiflorum (Pink Laceflower)
• Chloroleucon tortum, Pithecellobium tortum (Brazilian Raintree)
• Pithecellobium dulce, Inga dulcis, Mimosa dulcis (Bread-and-Cheeese, Madras Thorn, Manila Tamarind)
• Samanea saman, Albizia saman, Pithecellobium saman (Monkeypod, Rain Tree, Cenizaro, Cow Tamarind)