The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a large slow growing tree which grows all around the
Maltese Islands. It grows well in the countryside in areas with limited water. The tree is
well known for its large seed pods which were used as food in times of hardship.
Nowadays the pods are used for a speciality syrup (gullep tal-harrub) and sweets which
are generally sold during Lent.