This species is closely related to Inga paterno and, once more studies have been carried out, the two species could very well be combined under this name[].

Common Name: Ice Cream Bean

General Information

Inga jinicuil is a very fast-growing large evergreen tree with handsome, bright green, glossy foliage[].
The plant has been widely planted in parts of the West Indies as a shade tree for coffee plantations[]. It is also grown, especially in Mexico, for the edible pulp obtained from the seedpods - these pods are often sold in local markets[].
Inga jinicuil is a widespread species, found from Mexico to Costa Rica and also on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. The plant has also been widely cultivated and distributed by humans. It is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Central America - Mexico to Costa Rica.

Habitat

Moist lowland slopes[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant for the lowland moist tropics[].
Prefers a position in full sun in a fertile, well-drained soil[]. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds[].
Plants flower irregularly throughout the year[]. The flowers are easily damaged by high winds or heavy rain[].
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

Inside the seedpod lies a slightly sweet, creamy, white, high protein pulp surrounding the brown seeds[]. This pulp has a flavour likened to vanilla ice cream and is considered a delicacy by many, especially children[, ]. The seedpod is about 20cm long and 5cm wide[].

Seed - cooked[]. Traditionally eaten with Phaseolus beans and Chenopodiium leaves[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Used as a shade tree in coffee plantations[, , ]. This was the first species cultivated for coffee shade in Central America, but due to its susceptibility to pests it is being replaced by other Inga species[].
Inga species generally have a number of factors that make them popular for use as shade trees in coffee and cacao plantations:- they grow quickly and so soon make an effecte shade; they respond well to drastic pruning and so are easy to keep within the required size and shade levels; they promote and maintain soil fertility; they are effective soil stabilizers[].

Other Uses

The wood of Inga species is generally attractive, but it has a coarse texture, is susceptible to attack by dry-wood termites and is not durable in the soil[].
When grown as a shade tree, the plant is pruned on a regular basis, and these prunings are often burned as a fuel[].

Propagation

Seed -
Greenwood cuttings.

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