Family: Fabaceae
Inga jinicuil is a large, fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree. The seedpod contains an edible pulp surrounding the seeds. The pulp flavor tastes similar to ice cream, hence the common name, ice cream bean. The pulp is high in protein.
Plant Uses:
- Edible
- Erosion control
- Fragrant
- Medicinal
- Nitrogen fixer
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
- Windbreak
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Grows in tropical climates
- Tolerates many soil types
- N-fixing (may alter soil chemistry)
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds dispersed by birds, fruit-eating mammals and intentionally by people
- Reaches maturity in 2+ years (fast growth rate)
- Able to coppice and resprout after cutting
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but native range unclear due to cultivation
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Provides fodder for livestock
- Ornamental
- Requires full sun
- Self-Incompatible
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Seeds lose viability rapidly; unlikely to form a persistent seed bank