Family: Fabaceae
Author: Mart.
Bibliography: Flora 20(2 Beibl.): 113 (1837)
Year: 1837
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Inga
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Trop. America
Description
The Ice-cream-bean, scientifically known as Inga edulis, is a fascinating plant species native to tropical South America. This unique tree belongs to the Fabaceae family, a significant family of flowering plants that includes many legumes and beans. The name “Ice-cream-bean” is derived from the tree’s distinctive, long pods that contain a sweet, soft, and fluffy pulp. The pulp, often likened to vanilla ice cream in flavor and texture, makes this plant particularly noteworthy among locals and enthusiasts.
Inga edulis can be found in a variety of lowland tropical regions, thriving in the warm, humid climates typical of South America. Its adaptation to these environments underlines the plant’s resilience and ecological importance. The tree is usually medium to large in size, bearing pinnate leaves with numerous elongated leaflets. During the blooming season, Inga edulis produces beautiful, white, pom-pom-like flowers that are both eye-catching and excellent for attracting pollinators.
One of the most appealing aspects of Inga edulis is its pods. These pods can grow impressive lengths, sometimes reaching up to several feet. When opened, they reveal the prized edible pulp and seeds. The seeds are encased in an aril, which is the part that is edible and enjoyed for its sweet, cotton-candy-like texture. This feature has earned the plant its common name, Ice-cream-bean, highlighting the delightful taste experience it offers.
Historically, the Ice-cream-bean has been utilized not just for its edible pulp but also for various ethnobotanical purposes. Local communities have integrated the tree into their agricultural practices because of its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, thus enriching and improving soil fertility. This quality makes it a valuable component in agroforestry systems, where the tree improves soil health and supports the growth of other crops.
In addition to its agricultural benefits, Inga edulis also plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. The dense foliage provides habitat and shelter for a multitude of wildlife species, while the flowers serve as a nectar source for insects and birds. The robust root system helps prevent soil erosion, thereby contributing to the stability of its native landscapes.
The botanical identity of Inga edulis was first formally described in 1837 in the publication “Flora” (Volume 20, Issue 2 Beibl.), where Martius, the author, documented its characteristics and classification. Since then, the Ice-cream-bean has continued to be an area of study and interest due to its ecological viability and cultural significance.
In conclusion, the Ice-cream-bean, or Inga edulis, is a remarkable plant that embodies both ecological and cultural values. From its sweet, edible pods reminiscent of vanilla ice cream to its role in enhancing soil fertility and providing habitat, this tree is an exemplary species within the rich tapestry of tropical South American flora.
Common Names
Spa: chalaite, cuajiniquil, guaba, pacay, guama, pacae
Eng: ice-cream-bean, icecreambean, ice cream bean
Por: inga-cipó, ingá-de-metro, ingá-doce, ingá-macarrão, ingá-rabo-de-mico, ingá-timbó, ingá-vermelho, ingá
Fra: pois doux
En: Ice-cream-bean, Icecreambean, Guaba, Pois Doux, Ice Cream Bean
Zh: 旋莢冰淇淋豆
Fr: Pois doux, Pois sucre
He: שעועית הגלידה
Fa: اینگا ادالیس
Pt: Inga-cipó, Ingá veludo, Caujiniquil, Ingá de metro, Ingá doce, Ingá macarrão, Ingá rabo de mico, Ingá timbó, Ingá vermelho, Ingá, Ingá-de-metro, Ingá-doce, Ingá-macarrão, Ingá-rabo-de-mico, Ingá-timbó, Ingá-vermelho, Inga de metro, Inga cipo
Ru: Кремовый боб
Es: Chalaite, Guaba, Pacay, Cuajiniquil, Guaba mecate, Guaba chilillo, Monkey tail., Guama, Pacae, Rabo de mico, Guamo, Guamo bejuco, Huaba, Inga
Ty: Pakai
Synonyms
- Feuilleea scabriuscula ((Benth.) Kuntze)
- Inga scabriuscula var. villosior (Benth.)
- Inga scabriuscula (Benth.)
- Mimosa ynga (Vell.)
- Inga benthamiana (Meisn.)
- Inga uncinata (Spruce ex Benth.)
- Feuilleea conferta ((Benth.) Kuntze)
- Feuilleea edulis ((Mart.) Kuntze)
- Inga edulis f. typica (Porto)
- Inga conferta (Benth.)
- Inga ynga (J.W.Moore)
- Inga edulis var. parviflora (Benth.)
- Inga complanata (Amshoff)
- Inga vera (Kunth)
Distribution
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Galápagos (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Angola (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Gabon (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Nicaragua (introduced)
- Nigeria (introduced)
- Panamá (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Tuamotu (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 22, 2019 by Gomes Gardenia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 12, 2019 by flavioes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Rogério S Scotton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2021 by serge Corm (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2021 by Diogo Abreu (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 12, 2021 by Isabella Seraphim Pinto Isabella Seraphim Pinto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2021 by fernando nerva (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Thainá Campos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Jhon Christian Moreno Gómez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2021 by Tatiane Marinho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Thainá Campos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Rios Sergio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2021 by Isabella Seraphim Pinto Isabella Seraphim Pinto (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Samarone Zimmermann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 15, 2020 by Manzke Glanzel Pedro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 14, 2020 by Morghanna Silkmoon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2021 by Fermoseli Câmara Olavo Thadeu (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 18, 2019 by Corrina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – E. Salicetti (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 11, 2021 by Lisa Phillips (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2021 by steffens sabrina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2022 by gomes caio (cc-by-sa)
© 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.
Other
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Ronald Claes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2013 by C. Geniez (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:128478-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5357677)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Inga edulis Mart.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 6.0