At 957 Cole Street are two carob trees, native to the Eastern Mediterranean. The scientific name is Ceratonia siliqua. In the Mediterranean, carob pods are often used as animal feed. The ripe and dried pod of the carob tree is often ground into carob powder, which is sometimes used as a chocolate substitute.
If you enjoyed this tour, I hope you will consider getting my book, Trees of San Francisco. The book has 12 tree tours of interesting San neighborhoods, as well as photos and information on more than 70 trees that you’re likely to find on our City’s streets. Pick it up at any of our independent bookstores, or if you prefer, buy it online. Also, please check out my website at www.sftrees.com for lots of information about San Francisco’s trees!