Related to, and perhaps a part of, Inga densiflora[].

Common Name: Cushin

General Information

Inga micheliana is a tree with a spreading crown; usually growing from 6 - 10 metres tall, but sometimes larger[].
The tree is used to provide shade in plantations, whilst the leaves are gathered from the wild and used locally to wrap tamales[].
Although threatened in some areas, such as Panama, most of the areas in which it grows are protected to some degree. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

C. America - Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, southern Mexico.

Habitat

Highland areas[]. Moist or wet forest, sometimes in thickets or open fields, chiefly at elevations from 800 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including limestone[].
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

The leaves are used to wrap tamales, to which they add a purple colour[].

Although we have no specific information for this species, many members of this genus produce a sweet-tasting edible pulp around the seeds[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

With its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, this tree is considered one of the best shade-supplying trees in Guatemala, where it is often planted to provide shade for coffee plantations[].
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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