Guama venezolano (Inga nobilis, Enum. Pl.: 1047 (1809))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Enum. Pl.: 1047 (1809)

Year: 1809

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Inga

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to S. Trop. America

Description

Guama venezolano, scientifically known as Inga nobilis, is a remarkable plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This perennial plant is renowned for its significance in various ecosystems, stretching from southern Mexico all the way to southern tropical regions of America.

Inga nobilis thrives in tropical climates where it often becomes a fundamental part of the forest canopy. The plant is highly valued for its ecological contributions, particularly in enhancing soil fertility due to its ability to fix nitrogen. This makes it an excellent choice for agroforestry systems, as it can improve soil health and boost the productivity of other crops grown alongside it.

The Guama venezolano displays lush, green foliage and is especially noted for its elongated, bean-like fruits. These fruits contain seeds surrounded by a sweet, edible pulp, which is commonly consumed by local populations and wildlife alike. The plant’s flowers are also a nectar source, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees, which play an essential role in the reproduction of many other plant species.

In terms of traditional uses, Inga nobilis has been utilized by indigenous communities for various purposes. The wood of the plant is often used in construction and for making tools, while the leaves and fruits are employed in local culinary practices and traditional medicine.

The documentation of Inga nobilis dates back to 1809, with the authoritative classification provided by Willd. in the work Enum. Pl. Over the centuries, this plant has continued to be a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists who study its role in tropical forest ecosystems and its potential benefits for sustainable agricultural practices.

In conclusion, Guama venezolano or Inga nobilis represents a significant species within the Fabaceae family, valued for its ecological, economic, and cultural importance across its native range in the Neotropics. Its ability to improve soil conditions and support biodiversity underscores the plant’s vital role in tropical forest environments.

Common Names

Eng: guama venezolano
Spa: acotopillo silvestre, guaba negra, guamito, guamito cansa muelas, guamo, guayaba del monte, pacae de monte, pacaecillo del canto del rio, shimbillo amargo, shimbillo incha paloma
En: Guama venezolano
Es: Guaba., Acotopillo Silvestre, Guaba Negra, Guamito, Guamito Cansa Muelas, Guamo, Guayaba del Monte, Pacae de Monte, Pacaecillo del Canto del Rio, Shimbillo Amargo, Shimbillo Incha Paloma, Guaba

Synonyms

• Feuilleea nobilis ((Willd.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 29, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 23, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 9, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 29, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 9, 2018 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 29, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 24, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2008 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken May 23, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 1, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2011 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 23, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5357519)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:128633-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Inga nobilis Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth