Common Name:

General Information

Inga cylindrica is a semideciduous tree with a small, globose crown; it can grow 8 - 18 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 25 - 45cm in diameter[].
The tree is often harvested from the wild for its edible fruit, which is used locally. The tree also has excellent potential for use as a pioneer species for re-establishing woodland.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, French Guiana; C. America - Costa Rica.

Habitat

Rainforests, in both primary and secondary formations, especially near rivers[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sunny position[]. The plant grows in humus-rich, fertile soils in the wild[]. Tolerates seasonal inundation of the soil[].
A fast-growing plant, it can be more than 2 metres tall within 2 years from seed[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The white pulp surrounding the seeds has a very sweet flavour[]. The seedpod is 5 - 25cm long and 2cm wide, containing 6 - 14 seeds[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A natural pioneer species within its native range[], it is fast growing, fixes atmospheric nitrogen and also supplies food for humans and native wildlife, so it could be an excellent choice as a pioneer plant for re-establishing woodland[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-gained, light in weight, soft, with poor durability. It is only used locally for items such as internal work for general construction[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow in a lightly shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A moderate rate of germination can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 10 - 20 days. Transplant the seedlings to individual containers when they have 4 - 6 leaves and they should be ready for planting out 4 - 5 months later[].

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