Texas Ebony

Common Name: Texas Ebony

Scientific Name: Pithecellobium flexicaule

Characteristics

Bark – light tan, grey, or brown / slightly textured - can become fissured with age
Branches – brittle / zigzag like pattern / thorns
Leaves – alternate / obovate / bipinnately compound / light to medium green
Flowers – raspberry shaped buds / fragrant pompom shaped flowers / yellow - white
Fruit – pod / seed is edible

Growing Conditions

Air – good air circulation / dry or humid environment
Sun – morning to midday sun is best / leaves may close in high heat or low light / good sun promotes smaller leaves
Water – moist not wet - dry down not dry out / morning to midday is best / new leaves increase transpiration

Maintenance

Roots – Repotting is best when night temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees. Well-draining soil. Protect from sun for 2 weeks after root pruning.
Trunk – Properly clean and protect large cuts from moisture as cuts can be slow to heal. Watch for wire scarring. Healthy trees can be heavily reduced.
Branches – Branches become more brittle and difficult to bend with age. Use wire to set initial primary and/or secondary branch structure where applicable. Watch for wire scarring. The clip-n-grow technique is well utilized with the natural zigzag pattern and helps to maintain a cohesive design. Properly clean and protect large cuts from moisture. Healthy trees can be heavily pruned. Protect from sun for 2 weeks after heavy branch pruning.
Leaves / Flowers – Leaf size can be controlled by root maturation and pinching new leaf tips. Partial defoliation during the growing season can increase airflow, visual design, and reduce predatory insects and fungus. Watch for insects and related fungus on new stem growth.

Hardiness: tropical evergreen / zone 9 - 11 / protect below 45 degrees

Propagation: Typically grown from seed. Air-layers do well.

Potential Issues