Gleditsia triacanthos
Plant Details
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Permeable, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acid Neutral Basic
Sun
Usage properties
Seed, Seedbox, Coffee, Juice, Sweetener
Nitrogen, Gom, Wood, Carbon farming
Description
Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and can contain up to 30% sugar. Young seeds taste similar to raw peas. In maritime regions, they may not thrive because the tree prefers long, hot summers. The oval seeds are about 8 mm long and contain 10.6-24.1% protein, 0.8-4.3% fat, 84.7% carbohydrates, 21.1% fiber, 4% ash, as well as 280 mg of calcium and 320 mg of phosphorus per 100 g. These seeds are roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The seed pods have flesh that is sweet and can be eaten raw or processed into sugar. Young seed pods can be cooked and eaten, while the pulp in older pods can be bitter. The seed pods can be up to 40 cm long and 4 cm wide. A sweet, pleasant drink can be made from the seed pods, and the pulp of the seed is used to make beverages.
Harvest Data
Crown Data
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Phyllostachys vivax Giant Timber Bamboo, Running giant bamboo |
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while providing some shade and wind protection for the Gleditsia. |
|
Sorbopyrus auricularis Bollwyller Pear |
Improves soil structure and provides organic matter through fallen leaves, benefiting the Gleditsia as it establishes. |
|
Amelanchier alnifolia Serviceberry |
Provides additional fruit production opportunities and attracts pollinators, benefiting overall biodiversity in the area. |
|
Salix babylonica Weeping Willow |
Works well with Gleditsia, helping to stabilize the soil and provide habitat for beneficial organisms. |
|
Quercus robur English oak |
Enhances soil fertility, supports wildlife, and improves structure by working symbiotically with Gleditsia. |