Common Name: Guama

General Information

Guama is an evergreen tree with an dense, low, rounded crown, that can grow up to 20 metres tall, but is usually smaller. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 50 - 70cm in diameter[, , , ].
The edible fruit is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use, though it is not as widely appreciated as some other members of the genus[]. The tree is also commonly planted as a shade tree for coffee and cocoa plantations, and is sometimes grown as an ornamental[, , ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Tropical America - West Indies, Central America, south to southern Brazil.

Habitat

Moist lowland limestone areas[]. Wet to semi-dry forests, or highland savannas[]. Found in a variety of habitats from dry scrublands in some Caribbean islands to the rain forest or the wet cloudy forests of Central American highlands[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	9.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the hot, wet, tropical lowlands[]. It can also be found at higher elevations, and is one of the few members of this genus that will grow well in rather dry climates[].
Prefers a sunny position[]. Tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including limestone[].
A very variable plant, due in part to its wide range and variety of habitats[].
The plant can flower and fruit throughout the year[].
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 sweet, white, slightly aromatic flesh surrounding the seeds in the seedpod is eaten[, ]. There is very little flesh around each seed[]. The seedpods are 6 - 12cm long and 4 - 8cm wide[].

Seeds - a flavour somewhat like almonds[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Providing excellent shade, as well as fixing atmospheric nitrogen, the tree is grown as a shade tree in coffee and cacao 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[].
The flowers are an important source of nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is an attractive pale reddish brown, often streaked with darker brown; the sapwood is whitish[]. The wood is of medium to thick-texture, straight-grained, moderately heavy, soft, of little mechanical resistance and with poor durability. It is only used for low quality items such as boxes[]. Another report, from Puerto Rico, says that the wood is seldom used, but it is moderately hard, strong, tough and easily worked and that it can be used for furniture, cabinet making, tool handles, interior trim, general carpentry, heavy construction etc[].
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 high rate of germination can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 15 - 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[].
Greenwood cuttings.

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