INGA EDULIS - ICE CREAM BEAN.
Common name
Ice cream bean, guaba, inga cipo, guamo bejuro, pois sucre, rabo de mico, inga de metro, monkey tail.
Family
Fabaceae (Leguminosae).
Overview
Inga edulis is a tropical tree, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest growing up to 60' tall.
A beautiful shade tree, the branches form a broad dense canopy, growing on the riverbanks.
The flowers grow in dense spikes and the fruit is a ribbed cylindrical pod up to 3' long.
Inside are the green seeds covered in white fluffy pulp.
This sweet pulp is also a delicacy for animals such as monkeys and birds.
The seeds of ice cream bean contain trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors.
Medicinal applications
The leaves and seeds are used against arthritis, rheumatism and diarrhea.
Hardiness
USDA zone 9 - 11.
Propagation
Seeds. Due to recalcitrant nature of the seeds, they have a short viable life, can not be dried well and
can not withstand low temperatures.
Culture
Full sun, tolerance of acid soils. Plant in frost free areas with lots of moisture.
Recalcitrant seeds are not refundable since they are prone to fungus and often difficult to germinate.
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