Accession #: 198500714
Accession Date: 1985-12-31
Common name: Ice Cream Bean
Family: Fabaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: central and south America
Description: Mature trees of Inga edulis reach 30 m (98 ft) high and 60 cm (2.0 ft) diameter at breast height, usually branching from below 3 m (9.8 ft). The branches form a broad, flat, moderately dense canopy. The pods contain black seeds which are embedded in a thick white juicy pulp that tastes slightly like vanilla ice cream.4
The leaflets possess cup-like extra-floral nectaries that encourage mutualistic ant colonies which defend the plant from predation.
Uses:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 9b-11
Source: Unknown
Provenance:
Restrictions:
Culture:
Propagation Notes: Reduce surface area of compound leaves, apply indolebutyric acid (IBA) Hormodin 2/3, then place under mist. <sup>6</sup>
