Could this be a Texas ebony? Seed pods look the same and it does have small thorns. The leaves fold up at night as well.

It looks like a carob.

This post was edited by AJBB on Fri, May 3, 13 at 23:26

Fun! It sure looks like a Texas ebony to me too. Let us know if you decide on an ID. Happy gardening!

Carob. the branches are wrong for a Texas ebony.

Looks like Texas ebony which is evergreen, dark green leaves on irregular 'zig-zag' branches, dark brown bark, small thorns, and woody seed pods. When it blooms the flowers are elongated white puffballs.

Botanists have changed its name to Ebenopsis ebano but it used to be called Pithecellobium flexicaule. Older references may have it listed that way.

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Ebony

Yes, they have those zig zag thorny branches and the seed pods were rougher and thicker than carob pods. It also has those puffballs.

Like I said, the photo is terrible.

Thanks everyone!

As kids we referred to these as "the stinky trees".
FWIW