Ebenopsis ebano (Texas Ebony)

Ebenopsis ebano (Texas Ebony) pale yellow fluffy flower clusters alongside small, smooth, rounded green leaves.

Botanical names: Ebenopsis ebano, Pithecellobium ebano

Common names: Texas Ebony, Ebony Blackbead, Apples Earring

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: Mexico, Southern Texas (USA)

USDA Zone: 8-11

Plant form: Large bush or small tree; suitable for bonsai

Mature height: 10-20 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor

Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.

Watering: Moderate

Flower color: White and off-white

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

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.