Family: Fabaceae
Author: Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 4: 1010 (1806)
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Inga
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Mexico to Venezuela and Bolivia, Caribbean
Description
River koko, scientifically known as Inga vera, is an elegant and versatile plant that graces the landscapes from Mexico to Venezuela and Bolivia, as well as the Caribbean islands. This notable species belongs to the Fabaceae family, highlighting its significant role within the diverse legume family, known for both its ecological contributions and its practical uses.
First described by the botanist Willd. in the fourth edition of Species Plantarum published in 1806, Inga vera has since captured the interest of botanists and horticulturists alike due to its widespread geographical range and adaptability to various tropical environments. This plant thrives in the humid and warm climates typical of its native regions, where it contributes to the local ecosystems by fixing nitrogen in the soil, thus supporting soil fertility and stability.
River koko is characterized by its lush foliage and attractive blossoms, which not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in attracting pollinators. The plant produces elongated, compound leaves that are usually arranged in opposite pairs, contributing to its bushy and lush appearance. Its flowers, typically white or yellowish, are arranged in clusters and exude a subtle fragrance that is irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
Apart from its ecological importance, Inga vera has practical applications as well. In many regions, the plant’s seeds are consumed as food, while its wood is utilized for various purposes, including construction and making tools. Furthermore, the plant is often planted as a shade tree in coffee and cacao plantations, providing the necessary canopy that these crops require for optimal growth.
Inga vera’s capacity to improve soil conditions makes it a valuable asset in agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices. Its ability to thrive across a broad range of tropical environments indicates a robust adaptability and resilience, making it a suitable candidate for reforestation projects and efforts to combat soil erosion.
In summary, River koko is a remarkable plant with a broad geographical distribution and a myriad of uses that span ecological, agricultural, and industrial applications. Its presence from Mexico through South America and into the Caribbean underscores its adaptability and importance within the diverse ecosystems of the tropics.
Common Names
Spa: guamo
Swe: inga
Eng: river koko
En: River koko
Es: Guamo, Guaba.
Sv: Inga
Synonyms
- Mimosa inga (L.)
- Feuilleea inga ((L.) Kuntze)
- Inga inga ((L.) Britton)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Jawa (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 29, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 11, 2020 by Ronan Gamero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2020 by Karina Monserrat Pérez Ramírez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2020 by Quirino dos Santos Edvaldo (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 11, 2022 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Kitahara João (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Rodrigo Fernandez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2020 by Dácio Dácio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Romero Alfredo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2019 by Venegas-Elizondo Carlos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 28, 2020 by Karina Monserrat Pérez Ramírez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2020 by Dácio Dácio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2020 by Plantikis (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 2, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5357680)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1006087-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Inga vera Willd.)