Ice-cream Bean, Ice Cream Bean, Inga, Guama, Joãninha, Cuajo
Inga edulis
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The ice cream bean is primarily used as a nitrogen-fixing shade tree in permaculture systems, particularly for coffee and cacao plantations. The pulp surrounding the seeds is edible and sweet, hence the name. The pods can be used as animal feed or green manure. It can also be used for erosion control due to its extensive root system. Its rapid growth makes it a good candidate for windbreaks.
Permapeople description
Inga edulis is a fruit native to South America. It is known for its sweet, cotton-like pulp surrounding the seeds, which has a flavor similar to vanilla ice cream.
Botanical description
Inga edulis is a fast-growing leguminous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. It typically reaches heights of 10-30 meters. The tree has a broad, spreading crown with pinnately compound leaves. Each leaf consists of several pairs of leaflets. The flowers are white, showy, and arranged in cylindrical spikes, attracting pollinators. The fruit is a long, cylindrical pod, typically green, maturing to brown. Inside the pod, the seeds are embedded in a sweet, white, cotton-like pulp. The trunk is smooth and gray when young, becoming more textured with age. The tree is native to the Amazon basin but cultivated widely in tropical regions.
Companion planting
Inga edulis is a beneficial companion plant for crops like coffee, cacao, and vanilla, providing shade and nitrogen fixation. It can also be grown with bananas and other fruit trees. It generally does not have known antagonistic relationships with other plants but ensure adequate spacing to avoid competition for resources.
Propagation methods
Inga edulis can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or air layering. Seed propagation is most common, but seeds must be sown fresh as they lose viability quickly. Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood and rooted under mist. Air layering is also possible but less commonly practiced.
History and traditions
Inga edulis has a long history of use by indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. The pulp has traditionally been eaten as a snack and a source of energy. The tree has also been used for medicinal purposes, although specific uses vary regionally. The wood is used for fuel and construction. Inga species, in general, hold cultural significance as providers of food and shade.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs typically during the dry season, but can vary depending on location. Pods mature several months after flowering, and harvesting occurs when the pods are ripe, usually indicated by a change in color. Planting is best done at the beginning of the rainy season. Pruning can be done to shape the tree and manage its size, typically after harvesting.