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Ebenopsis ebano
Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby & Grimes
Texas Ebony, Black-bead Ebony, Ebony Ape's-earring, Ebano
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s): Chloroleucon ebano, Mimosa ebano, Pithecellobium ebano, Pithecellobium flexicaule
USDA Symbol: EBEB
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Texas-ebony is a 25-30 ft. shrub or tree with a rounded, dense crown. Dark green, twice-pinnate leaves are borne from spiny branches. White blooms are followed by 4-6 in. seed pods which persist through the winter.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 30 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: TXNative Distribution: S. TX south through e. Mex. to Yucatan
Native Habitat: Low woods of the Coastal Plain
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Often multi-trunked, Texas ebony might look brushy until quite old or pruned. Provides heavy shade when full grown; is resistant to root rot; and is extremely drought-tolerant.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Larva host for Coyote Coudwings.Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Host plant for the Coyote Cloudwing, Achalarus toxeus and Sphingicampa blanchardi.
Propagation
Description: Pre-treat seeds before sowing.Seed Collection: Although pods are persistent, early collection is recommended before weevil infestation. Dust seeds before storing at room temperature.
Seed Treatment: Scarifiy nicking the seeds, soaking in concentrated sulfuric acid up to 90 minutes, or soaking in boiling water for 30-45 minutes.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Naval Air Station Kingsville - Kingsville, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 298 - Field Guide to Texas Trees (1999) Simpson, B.J.Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Ebenopsis ebano in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ebenopsis ebano in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ebenopsis ebano
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-11-09Research By: TWC Staff