Ice Cream Bean, Monkey Tamarind
Inga edulis
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Basic Information
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: inga
Plant ID (slug): inga-edulis
Numeric ID: 973
USDA Hardiness: 9-12
Ratings
Physical Characteristics
Inga edulis is an evergreen Tree growing to 18 m (59ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.
Distribution
Northern and western S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas.
Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seedpod Edible Uses: The pulp surrounding the seeds in the seedpod is white, translucent and jelly-like with a sweet, perfumed flavour[301 ]. Much esteemed in Ecuador, some forms have a slight cinnamon flavour[301 ]. The seedpod is up to 100cm long[335 ]. The seedpod can vary considerably in size and in the quantity of pulp it contains[408 ]. The best forms are found in S. America[408 ].
Medicinal Uses
Antitussive Skin A decoction of the crushed leaves is taken to relieve coughing. A decoction of the leaves is applied to sores of the lips (perhaps herpes).
Known Hazards
None known
Detailed Information
Additional Information
Title: Inga edulis Ice Cream Bean, Monkey Tamarind PFAF Plant Database
Meta Description: Inga edulis is an evergreen Tree growing to 18 m (59ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.