A very variable species, it has at times been viewed as a number of distinct species[, ].

Common Name:

General Information

Inga sapindoides is a medium-sized tree growing up to 25 metres tall[].
The plant is gathered from the wild for its edible seeds and pulp in the seedpod, which are sometimes sold in local markets. The tree is also widely used as shade tree in coffee plantations in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico[].
Inga sapindoides is widespread in Central America and northeastern South America. The taxon is known to occur within the protected areas network across its native range, and is not considered to be threatened or in decline at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Northern S. America - Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela, north to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Habitat

Along forested roadsides[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at low elevations.

There are conflicting reports on whether or not this tree has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, so it is unclear as to whether this tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

The sweet pulp that surrounds the seeds within the seedpods is highly relished in El Salvador[, ]. Of rather low quality[].

The fleshy sarcotesta is consumed[]. It is cooked, cut into small pieces then eaten with vegetables[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Used as a shade tree in coffee plantations at lower elevations[, ]. Inga sapindoides is often planted as a shade tree in the coffee-growing areas; it has a broad spreading crown, large and well dispersed leaves, and its size is
quite favourable to pruning[].
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 -

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