Differences between Delice (Wild) Carob and Grafted Carob
A significant part of the carob trees growing on our Mediterranean coasts are ungrafted, that is, wild or "delice" trees as they are popularly called. The pods of these trees are usually thinner, smaller and less fleshy; on the other hand, their seed ratios are often higher than grafted varieties. Grafted trees, on the other hand, stand out with their larger, fleshier and more sugary pods.
In this article, the differences between delice and grafted carob; We compare it with the results of research conducted in Turkey in terms of pod characteristics, seed ratio, yield and usage areas, and explain why natural populations are a valuable genetic resource.
What Does "Delice" Carob Mean?
In Turkish, the word "delice" is used to describe tree forms that have not been cultivated, grafted and grow spontaneously in nature. For carob, wild, ungrafted trees are locally referred to as "delice" or "deli boynuz". In the Alanya Carob geographical indication certificate, the seeds used in rootstock production are defined as "delice seeds (wild carob seeds)" (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, 2025). In Günal's study, "deli boynuz" is considered among the local names where carob is mentioned in our country.
A small distinction should be noted here: In the botanical literature and some sources, the name "delice" is also used for wild olives (Olea europaea var. sylvestris). In Günal's study on carob communities, "delice" refers to wild olives with which carob is found in maquis. In this article, we use the expression "delice carob" for wild carob trees that have not been grafted.
From a scientific point of view, the concept of "wild" is also controversial. The monograph published by IPGRI states that the original wild distribution of carob is not clear, as it has been cultivated intensively since ancient times. Most of the self-growing carob in the western Mediterranean is considered to be rewilded forms derived from cultivated plants; in the Eastern Mediterranean, wild trees are still common (Batlle and Tous, 1997).
How Did Grafted Carob Come About?
Carob varieties in culture are the product of a long selection process. According to the IPGRI monograph, the varieties were selected from among the lucky seedlings in local populations and then propagated by grafting in commercial gardens. Breeders selected the seedlings with superior characteristics by eye and propagated them as clones by grafting. Throughout the Mediterranean basin, wild or naturalized trees were used as rootstocks in situ and selected varieties were grafted on them.
In the monograph, the three main fruit characteristics that distinguish domesticated carob from its wild relatives are listed as follows: larger pods, more fruit flesh and higher sugar content. The increase in seed size and number is less pronounced. These characteristics, together with productivity and adaptation to the environment, have been the most important selection criteria of breeders.
The number of named carob varieties in the world is very low. In the monograph, it is stated that the number of named varieties with limited distribution reported in the literature is less than 50 and that most of the varieties emerged at least 100 years ago, most likely by seedling selection.
Differences in Pod Properties
The most obvious difference between delice and grafted carob is in the appearance and structure of the pod. According to Günal's study, in the wild form, the fruit is thin and dull brown, while in the cultivated forms obtained by grafting, it is thicker, shiny and blackish brown. The IPGRI monograph also states that grafted varieties generally produce larger fruit than wild types that have not been selected.
Research on Genotypes in Turkey
In a comprehensive study conducted in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions of Turkey, 70 wild and grafted genotypes that were found promising according to their pod characteristics were examined. In the study, significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of pod characteristics; it was determined that wild carob had smaller pods and their characteristics were more variable than grafted ones (Tetik et al., 2011).
| Property (average) | Wild genotypes | Grafted genotypes |
|---|---|---|
| Pod weight | 63.72 g | 107.61 g |
| Link length | 16.18 cm | 16.91 cm |
| Link width | 18.16 mm | 21.79 mm |
| Link thickness | 6.42 mm | 8.79 mm |
| Water-soluble dry matter | %59,42 | %64,06 |
| Total acidity | %0,78 | %0,78 |
Source: Tetik et al., 2011. The values are the averages reported in the abstract of the study.
This table shows that the pods of the grafted genotypes are significantly heavier, wider and thicker than those of the wild, and the difference in length is more limited. The higher proportion of water-soluble dry matter in grafted genotypes is also consistent with the fact that sugar content was emphasized in the selection process. In the same study, it was reported that the pod weight of wild genotypes varied between 29.16 and 120.28 g, and the grafted ones ranged from 71.71 to 147.91 g; these wide ranges indicate great diversity within both groups.
In another study conducted in Köprülü Canyon National Park, five natural and five grafted trees were compared; grafted trees had higher values in fruit characteristics, while the two groups gave similar values in seed characteristics (Çetinay et al., 2014).
Differences in Seed (Seed) Ratio
The most important advantage of delice carob is its high seed share in the pod. The IPGRI monograph states that wild carob gives higher seed yield than cultivated varieties, based on multiple studies. It is reported that seed yield varies between 5 and 27 percent in Mediterranean varieties.
In the review of Dahmani et al., it is stated that seeds constitute 8-12 percent of the pod weight in grafted varieties and 16-20 percent in ungrafted wild types. In the monograph, it is also stated that ungrafted trees can produce seeds containing more gum than cultivated varieties.
This is due to the inverse relationship between the fruit flesh and seed ratio. The IPGRI monograph states that the fleshy part and seed ratio are negatively correlated and that growers unwittingly choose against seed yield when choosing large, fleshy and sugary pods. However, today the seed is the most commercially valuable part of the pod due to the production of the carob gamut.
A Remarkable Result from Turkey: Demre
A study conducted on wild carob genotypes that grow naturally in Antalya and its districts revealed that location significantly affects fruit and seed characteristics. The best results in all of the characteristics examined were obtained from Demre; In Demre genotypes, the average fruit length was measured as 19.03 cm, fruit weight was 10.93 g, and seed yield was 26.80 percent. Kumluca ranked second (Balkıç et al., 2024).
In the same study, it was observed that seed yield was higher in the southern, low-altitude places than in the north and high-altitude places; the researchers suggested the use of propagation material from Demre in new gardens for seed production.
This result is important because it shows that wild populations are not only a source of rootstocks, but also a gene pool from which new varieties with high seed yields can be selected.
Wild and Grafted Carob in Turkey
Turkey is located within the natural distribution area of carob and is rich in wild populations. In the IPGRI monograph, based on studies in the 1970s, it is stated that there are three pod types in Turkey: "samos", which is defined as wild, succulent and intermediate type. In the same source, it is stated that according to an evaluation dated 1980, 70 percent of Turkey's production consists of wild types, and the rest consists of succulent and samsame types, which are considered grafted. Since these data are old, they may not directly reflect the current situation; however, they are meaningful in terms of showing the historical weight of wild trees in Turkish production.
In the monograph, "wild" and "succulent" types are recorded for trees on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, and "samos" types are recorded for Izmir. In the same source, it is also stated that the pods of ungrafted, self-growing trees are collected on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and in southern Spain and Morocco. There is a similar tradition in Cyprus; quality ungrafted trees from which farmers collect their pods are called "Apostolika" (Kyratzis et al., 2021).
A recent study conducted on 45 genotypes selected from the natural population in Antalya's Serik district also revealed the diversity among natural trees. Trunk circumference ranged from 45 to 268 cm, leaflet length ranged from 37.52 to 75.36 mm; 60 percent of the genotypes showed upright growth and 60 percent were found to be multi-stemmed (Pepe & Yıldırım, 2026).
Comparative Summary
When we bring together the findings in the sources, the main differences between the two groups can be summarized as follows:
| Feature | Wild (delice) carob | Grafted carob |
|---|---|---|
| Proliferation | By seed | With the graft (clone) |
| Gender | About half male, does not bear fruit | Usually female or hermit variety |
| Pods | Thinner, small, dull brown | Thicker, larger, shiny, dark brown |
| Fruit pulp and sugar | Less | Read more |
| Core ratio | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Variability in properties | High | Lower, more uniform |
| Its main role | Rootstock, gene source, core | Fruit flesh and balanced production |
This table reflects general trends. Since there is great diversity in both groups, some wild trees may produce large pods, while some grafted varieties may have high seed yields. For example, in the IPGRI monograph, it is stated that some varieties in the Balearic Islands give a high seed yield of around 16 percent.
The Value of Wild Trees: Rootstock, Gene Source, and Hardiness
Delice carob trees may seem of low economic value at first glance. However, it is an important resource in many ways.
| Rootstock source | The seedlings, which are used in sapling production, are usually grown from wild seeds. |
| Gene source | It contains a wide variety that can be selected for traits such as high seed yield, disease resistance and adaptation to the environment. |
| Durability | In the IPGRI monograph, it is stated that the ungrafted local types known in Andalusia as "Bravia" appear to be more resistant to cold than grafted varieties. |
| Convertible potential | Wild trees with strong root systems can be made productive in a short time with grafting. |
The IPGRI monograph emphasizes the necessity of collecting samples from wild populations in Morocco and Turkey in terms of preserving genetic diversity and describes the lack of wild material from these two countries in gene bank collections as one of the most important gaps. In the monograph, it is stated that large wild populations still exist in Morocco and Turkey and that selecting superior phenotypes with high seed yield from these populations is a breeding option.
In terms of germination, no difference was found between the two groups. In a study conducted at Akdeniz University, the germination rates of wild genotype and seeds of the 'Etli' variety were found to be similar in all pre-treatments (Güneş et al., 2013).
Bringing Wild Trees into Production
Transforming unproductive wild trees in natural areas into productive varieties by grafting is an important opportunity for Turkey. In a study conducted in a natural forest population, unproductive young and old trees were reconstructed with hard pruning and the resulting shoots were grafted. The retention rate in grafts made in April reached 100 percent; researchers stated that this method could accelerate carob production (Balkıç et al., 2026). We discuss this issue in detail in our article "Grafting Techniques in Carob Tree".
Which One is Preferred in Terms of Use?
Which of the delice and grafted carob is "better" depends on the intended use. Large and smooth pods with high fruit flesh and sugar content; It stands out for products such as direct consumption, flour, powder and molasses. Pods with a high seed content are advantageous in terms of obtaining the seed, which is valuable as a raw material for the carob gum.
The IPGRI monograph states that the current trend is to breed dual-purpose varieties that are good both in terms of pulp and seeds. From this point of view, wild and grafted carob are not competitors, but complementary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat carob madly? Yes, wild carob pods can also be eaten. However, they are usually thinner, less fleshy and less sweet; therefore, grafted and fleshy types are preferred for direct consumption.
Does wild carob have more seeds? The general trend is in this direction. Sources report that the seed rate can be around 16-20 percent in ungrafted wild types and 8-12 percent in grafted varieties; and 26.80 percent in wild genotypes in Demre, Antalya.
Can the delice carob tree be grafted? Yes. Wild trees can be transformed by grafting with a productive female or hermit variety. In a study conducted in Turkey, 100 percent retention was achieved in grafts made in April to the shoots formed after hard pruning.
How to recognize grafted carob? Definite information can be understood from the history of the tree or the graft mark on the trunk. In general, the pods of grafted trees are thicker, brighter and darker; those of the wild are thinner and dull brown.
The Product of Nature and Labor with Carob Türkiye
Turkey's carob presence includes both grafted trees that have been selected for centuries and wild populations that are a natural part of the Mediterranean maquis. This richness is the source of different products from fruit flesh to seeds.
At Carob Türkiye, we supply carob fruit, crumbs, flour/powder, kernels, and extracts. The importance of kernel What is Carob Seed? You can read in our article, our products Carob Fruit and Carob Seed You can review it on the pages. For your wholesale and export requests Contact Now You can contact us on our page.
Domestic resources
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