Common Name: Inga Assu

General Information

Inga assu is an evergreen tree with an open crown; it can grow 10 - 25 metres tall[, ]. The cylindrical bole can be 46 - 60cm in diameter[].
The tree yields a seedpod containing an edible white aril surrounding the seeds. This aril has a sweet flavour and is greatly appreciated within its native range[]. The tree is frequently gathered from the wild, and is also often cultivated in the Amazon area of Brazil[]. It is one of the best edible Inga species, with a large, sweet, white sarcotesta[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, French Guiana, Surinam.

Habitat

Forests in riverine flood plains in both primary and secondary formations[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Plants can withstand periodic inundation of the soil[].
A fast-growing tree[].
The branches are generally infested with boring ants[].
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 seeds are covered in a dense, white aril that has a sweet flavour[]. The fruit is a legume up to 30cm long and 8cm wide, containing 8 - 15 large seeds[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is often used to provide shade in plantations, often by being left as the native forest is cleared[, ].
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[].
A natural pioneer species within its native range, it is fast-growing and a popular food crop so should make an excellent pioneer for re-establishing woodland[].

Other Uses

The wood is coarse-textured, irregular to spiral-grained, light in weight, hard to cut, with a low resistance to rot[]. It is used for scaffolding, temporary constructions, interior ornamental screens, boxes etc[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it needs to be sown as soon as possible once it is ripe. Sow in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. Germination rates are usually almost 100%, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 20 days[].

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