Spanish settlers gave it that name because of its similarity to the European carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua).

Its timber, which is rather dense (relative density = 0.76) and difficult to work, is used for doors and floors, for furniture, for paving blocks, shoe lasts and wine casks (where it replaces the European oak).

Pollination, mediated by wind and insects, is allogamous (crossed), since the female reproductive organs are turned active before the male ones.

They contain a sweet floury paste (patay), very high in energy, that can be used for fodder or turned into flour for human consumption.

In the 1940s a mildly intoxicating beverage called aloja was made from it through fermentation; in turn it was sometimes distilled to produce ethanol.